Compositions for targeted delivery of siRNA

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed compositions for targeted delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotides to hepatocytes in vivo. Targeted RNAi polynucleotides are administered together with co-targeted delivery polymers. Delivery polymers provide membrane penetration function for movement of the RNAi polynucleotides from outside the cell to inside the cell. Reversible modification provides physiological responsiveness to the delivery polymers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/661,947, filed Mar. 18, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,775, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/615,938, filedSep. 14, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,011,919, which is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/032,029, filed Feb. 22, 2011, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,313,772, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/307,490, filed Feb. 24, 2010, thecontents of each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The delivery of polynucleotide and other substantially cell membraneimpermeable compounds into a living cell is highly restricted by thecomplex membrane system of the cell. Drugs used in antisense, RNAi, andgene therapies are relatively large hydrophilic polymers and arefrequently highly negatively charged. Both of these physicalcharacteristics preclude their direct diffusion across the cellmembrane. For this reason, the major barrier to polynucleotide deliveryis the delivery of the polynucleotide across a cell membrane to the cellcytoplasm or nucleus.

One means that has been used to deliver small nucleic acid in vivo hasbeen to attach the nucleic acid to either a small targeting molecule ora lipid or sterol. While some delivery and activity has been observedwith these conjugates, the nucleic acid dose required with these methodshas been prohibitively large.

Numerous transfection reagents have been developed that achievereasonably efficient delivery of polynucleotides to cells in vitro.However, in vivo delivery of polynucleotides using these sametransfection reagents is complicated and rendered ineffective by in vivotoxicity, serum interactions, and poor targeting. Transfection reagentsthat work well in vitro, cationic polymers and lipids, typically formlarge electrostatic particles and destabilize cell membranes. Thepositive charge of in vitro transfection reagents facilitatesassociation with nucleic acid via charge-charge (electrostatic)interactions thus forming the nucleic acid/transfection reagent complex.Positive charge is also beneficial for nonspecific binding of thevehicle to the cell and for membrane fusion, destabilization, ordisruption. Destabilization of membranes facilitates delivery of thesubstantially cell membrane impermeable polynucleotide across a cellmembrane. While these properties facilitate nucleic acid transfer invitro, they cause toxicity and ineffective targeting in vivo. Cationiccharge results in interaction with serum components, which causesdestabilization of the polynucleotide-transfection reagent interactionand poor bioavailability and targeting. Membrane activity oftransfection reagents, which can be effective in vitro, often leads totoxicity in vivo.

For in vivo delivery, the vehicle (nucleic acid and associated deliveryagent) should be small, less than 100 nm in diameter, and preferablyless than 50 nm. Even smaller complexes, less that 20 nm or less than 10nm would be more useful yet. Delivery vehicles larger than 100 nm havevery little access to cells other than blood vessel cells in vivo.Complexes formed by electrostatic interactions tend to aggregate or fallapart when exposed to physiological salt concentrations or serumcomponents. Further, cationic charge on in vivo delivery vehicles leadsto adverse serum interactions and therefore poor bioavailability.Interestingly, high negative charge can also inhibit in vivo delivery byinterfering with interactions necessary for targeting. Thus, nearneutral vehicles are desired for in vivo distribution and targeting.Without careful regulation, membrane disruption or destabilizationactivities are toxic when used in vivo. Balancing vehicle toxicity withnucleic acid delivery is more easily attained in vitro than in vivo.

Rozema et al., in U.S. Patent Publication 20040162260 demonstrated ameans to reversibly regulate membrane disruptive activity of a membraneactive polyamine. The membrane active polyamine provided a means ofdisrupting cell membranes. pH-dependent reversible regulation provided ameans to limit activity to the endosomes of target cells, thus limitingtoxicity. Their method relied on modification of amines on a polyaminewith 2-propionic-3-methylmaleic anhydride.

This modification converted the polycation to a polyanion via conversionof primary amines to pairs of carboxyl groups (β carboxyl and γcarboxyl) and reversibly inhibited membrane activity of the polyamine.Rozema et al. (Bioconjugate Chem. 2003, 14, 51-57) reported that the βcarboxyl did not exhibit a full apparent negative charge and by itselfwas not able to inhibit membrane activity. The addition of the γcarboxyl group was reported to be necessary for effective membraneactivity inhibition. To enable co-delivery of the nucleic acid with thedelivery vehicle, the nucleic acid was covalently linked to the deliverypolymer. They were able to show delivery of polynucleotides to cells invitro using their biologically labile conjugate delivery system.However, because the vehicle was highly negatively charged, with boththe nucleic acid and the modified polymer having high negative chargedensity, this system was not efficient for in vivo delivery. Thenegative charge likely inhibited cell-specific targeting and enhancednon-specific uptake by the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Also usingthe 2-propionic-3-methylmaleic anhydride-modified polymers, Rozema etal. demonstrated formation of small ternary electrostatic complexes ofnucleic acids, polycations, and 2-propionic-3-methylmaleicanhydride-modified polymers.

Rozema et al., in U.S. Patent Publication 20080152661, improved on themethod of U.S. Patent Publication 20040162260 by eliminating the highnegative charge density of the modified membrane active polymer. Bysubstituting neutral hydrophilic targeting (galactose) and stericstabilizing (PEG) groups for the γ carboxyl of2-propionic-3-methylmaleic anhydride, Rozema et al. were able to retainoverall water solubility and reversible inhibition of membrane activitywhile incorporating effective in vivo hepatocyte cell targeting. Asbefore, the polynucleotide was covalently linked to the transfectionpolymer. Covalent attachment of the polynucleotide to the transfectionpolymer was maintained to ensure co-delivery of the polynucleotide withthe transfection polymer to the target cell during in vivoadministration by preventing dissociation of the polynucleotide from thetransfection polymer. Co-delivery of the polynucleotide and transfectionpolymer was required because the transfection polymer provided fortransport of the polynucleotide across a cell membrane, either fromoutside the cell or from inside an endocytic compartment, to the cellcytoplasm. U.S. Patent Publication 20080152661 demonstrated highlyefficient delivery of polynucleotides, specifically RNAioligonucleotides, to liver cells in vivo using this new improvedphysiologically responsive polyconjugate.

However, covalent attachment of the nucleic acid to the polyaminecarries inherent limitations. Modification of the transfection polymers,to attach both the nucleic acid and the masking agents is complicated bycharge interactions. Attachment of a negatively charged nucleic acid toa positively charged polymer is prone to aggregation thereby limitingthe concentration of the mixture. Aggregation can be overcome by thepresence of an excess of the polycation or polyanion. However, thissolution limits the ratios in which the nucleic acid and the polymer maybe formulated. Also, attachment of the negatively charged nucleic acidonto the unmodified cationic polymer causes condensation and aggregationof the complex and inhibits polymer modification. Modification of thepolymer, forming a negative polymer, impairs attachment of the nucleicacid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, the invention features a composition fordelivering an RNA interference polynucleotide to a liver cell in vivocomprising: an asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPr)-targeted reversiblymasked membrane active polyamine (delivery polymer) and an RNAinterference polynucleotide conjugated to a hydrophobic group containingat least 20 carbon atoms (RNA-conjugate). The delivery polymer and thesiRNA-conjugate are synthesized separately and may be supplied inseparate containers or a single container. The RNA interferencepolynucleotide is not conjugated to the polymer.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention features a composition fordelivering an RNA interference polynucleotide to a liver cell in vivocomprising: an ASGPr-targeted reversibly masked membrane activepolyamine (delivery polymer) and an RNA interference polynucleotideconjugated to a trivalent galactosamine (RNA conjugate). The deliverypolymer and the siRNA-conjugate are synthesized separately and may besupplied in separate containers or a single container. The RNAinterference polynucleotide is not conjugated to the polymer.

In a one embodiment, the membrane active polyamine comprises: anamphipathic polymer formed by random polymerization of amine-containingmonomers and lower hydrophobic group-containing monomers. Theamine-containing monomers contain pendant amine groups selected from thegroup consisting of: primary amine and secondary amine. The lowerhydrophobic monomers contain pendent hydrophobic groups having 1-6carbon atoms. The ratio of amine groups to hydrophobic groups isselected to form a water soluble polymer with membrane disruptiveactivity, preferably ≥1 amine monomer per hydrophobic monomer. In oneembodiment the polymer will have 60-80% amine monomers. Hydrophobicgroups may be selected from the group consisting of: alkyl group,alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group, aralkenylgroup, and aralkynyl group, each of which may be linear, branched, orcyclic. Hydrophobic groups are preferably hydrocarbons, containing onlycarbon and hydrogen atoms. However, substitutions or heteroatoms whichmaintain hydrophobicity, and include, for example fluorine, may bepermitted. Particularly suitable membrane active polyamines comprisepoly(vinyl ether) random copolymers or poly(acrylate) random copolymers.

In a one embodiment, the membrane active polyamine comprises: anamphipathic polymer formed by random polymerization of amine-containingmonomers, lower hydrophobic monomers, and higher hydrophobic monomers.The amine-containing monomers contain pendant amine groups selected fromthe group consisting of: primary amine and secondary amine. The lowerhydrophobic monomers contain pendent hydrophobic groups having 1-6carbon atoms. The higher hydrophobic monomers contain pendenthydrophobic groups having 12-36 or more carbon atoms. The ratio of aminegroups to hydrophobic groups is selected to form a water soluble polymerwith membrane disruptive activity, preferably >1 amine monomer perhydrophobic monomer. In one embodiment the polymer will have 60-80%amine monomers. Hydrophobic groups may be selected from the groupconsisting of: alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aryl group,aralkyl group, aralkenyl group, and aralkynyl group, each of which maybe linear, branched, or cyclic, sterol, steroid, and steroid derivative.Hydrophobic groups are preferably hydrocarbons, containing only carbonand hydrogen atoms. However, substitutions or heteroatoms which maintainhydrophobicity, and include, for example fluorine, may be permitted.Particularly suitable membrane active polyamines comprise poly(vinylether) random terpolymers or poly(acrylate) random terpolymers.

In a preferred embodiment, a reversibly masked membrane active polyaminecomprises a membrane active polyamine of the invention reversiblymodified by reaction of amines on the polymer with masking agents. Anamine is reversibly modified if cleavage of the modifying group restoresthe amine. Reversible modification of the membrane active polyaminereversibly inhibits membrane activity of the membrane active polyamine.Preferably, a masking agent also provides targeting function and/orserum interaction avoidance function. Modification of polymer amine withthe masking agent also preferably neutralizes the charge of the amine. Apreferred masking agent comprises a galactosamine or galactosaminederivative or a polyethylene glycol having a disubstituted maleicanhydride amine-reactive group. Reaction of the anhydride with an aminereversibly modifies the amine to form a maleamate or maleamic acid. Inthe masked state, the reversibly masked membrane active polyamine doesnot exhibit membrane disruptive activity. Reversible modification ofmore than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than70%, more than 75%, or more than 80%, of the amines on the polyaminewith masking agents may be required to inhibit membrane activity andprovide cell targeting function, i.e. form a reversibly masked membraneactive polymer. Membrane activity inhibition and/or in vivo targeting ofthe described membrane active polyamines requires modification of >50%of the polymer amines.

A preferred masking agent comprises a neutral hydrophilic substitutedalkylmaleic anhydride:

wherein R1 comprises a targeting moiety or a steric stabilizer. Anexample of a substituted alkylmaleic anhydride consists of a2-propionic-3-alkylmaleic anhydride derivative. A neutral hydrophilic2-propionic-3-alkylmaleic anhydride derivative is formed by attachmentof a neutral hydrophilic group to a 2-propionic-3-alkylmaleic anhydridethrough the 2-propionic-3-alkylmaleic anhydride γ-carboxyl group. In oneembodiment, the alkyl group consists of a methyl group.

A preferred masking agent provides targeting function through affinityfor cell surface receptors, i.e. the masking agent contains a ligand fora cell surface receptor. Preferred masking agents contain saccharideshaving affinity for the ASGPr, including but not limited to: galactose,N-Acetyl-galactosamine and galactose derivatives. Galactose derivativeshaving affinity for the ASGPr are well known in the art. An essentialfeature of the reversibly modified membrane active polyamine is that atleast some, and as many as all, of the masking agents attached to apolymer provide cell targeting function. Another preferred masking agentprovides improved bio-distribution through inhibition of non-specificinteractions between the reversibly modified polymer and serumcomponents or non-target cells and by reducing aggregation of thepolymer. Preferred masking agents having steric stabilizer functioninclude, but not limited to, polyethylene glycols. In one embodiment, acombination of targeting and steric stabilizer masking agents are used.

The RNAi polynucleotide conjugate and delivery polymer are administeredto a mammal in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents. In oneembodiment, the delivery polymer and the RNAi polynucleotide conjugatemay be combined in a solution prior to administration to the mammal. Inanother embodiment, the delivery polymer and the RNAi polynucleotideconjugate may be co-administered to the mammal in separate solutions. Inyet another embodiment, the delivery polymer and the RNAi polynucleotideconjugate may be administered to the mammal sequentially. For sequentialadministration, the delivery polymer may be administered prior toadministration of the RNAi polynucleotide conjugate. Alternatively, forsequential administration, the RNAi polynucleotide conjugate may beadministered prior to administration of the delivery polymer.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. Reaction scheme for polymerization of amphipathic poly(vinylether) random terpolymers.

FIG. 2. Graph illustrating the effect of siRNA-cholesterol conjugatedose on gene knockdown.

FIG. 3. Graph illustrating the effect of hydrophobe size onsiRNA-hydrophobe conjugate targeting to liver.

FIG. 4. Graph illustrating the effect of siRNA-hydrophobe conjugate doseon gene knockdown for several hydrophobic groups.

FIG. 5. Graph illustrating the effect of delivery polymer dose onsiRNA-hydrophobe conjugate delivery to liver.

FIG. 6. Linkage of GalNAc Cluster to RNA

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is an improved method for delivering RNA interference(RNAi) polynucleotides, to liver cells in a mammal in vivo. The methodalso provides for improved methods of production of RNAi polynucleotidedelivery vehicles. Previously, in vivo delivery of polynucleotidesrequired physical association of the polynucleotide with the deliveryvehicle. The polynucleotide was either electrostatically associated witha delivery vehicle, as in polycation/nucleic acid complexes,encapsulated by the delivery vehicle, as in liposomes and stable nucleicacid-lipid particles (SNALPs), or covalently linked to a deliveryvehicle, as in Dynamic PolyConjugates (Rozema et al. 2007).Surprisingly, we have found that by using appropriate RNAipolynucleotide conjugate molecules and appropriately targeted deliverypolymers, the RNAi polynucleotide can be separated from the deliverypolymer and still achieve efficient hepatocyte delivery of thepolynucleotide.

The ability to separate the polynucleotide from the delivery polymerprovides advantages in formulation, synthesis, and manufacturing.

-   -   a) By removing the requirement that the polynucleotide and        polymer are associated, either by covalent linkage or by        charge-charge interaction, the concentration of the polymers and        polynucleotides and the ratio between them is limited only by        the solubility of the components rather than the solubility of        the associated complex or ability to manufacture the complex.        Increased solubility permits increased polynucleotide or        delivery polymer concentration and therefore increased dosage.    -   b) The polynucleotide and delivery polymer may be mixed at        anytime prior to administration, or even administered        separately. Thus, separation allows the components to be stored        separately, either in solution or dry.    -   c) Smaller, more stable formulation is possible compared to the        larger, inherently unstable non-covalent delivery systems.    -   d) Manufacture of the masked delivery polymer is easier in the        absence of a covalently attached negatively charged        polynucleotide or the need to covalently attach a negatively        charged polynucleotide.    -   e) Manufacture is simplified and requires fewer steps in absence        of physical association of the polynucleotide with the delivery        polymer.    -   f) Improvements in targeting of the siRNA and polymer are        observed.

The invention includes conjugate delivery systems of the generalstructure:(M¹-L)_(x)-P-(L-M²)_(y) plus N-T,wherein N is a RNAi polynucleotide, T is a polynucleotide targetingmoiety (either a hydrophobic group having 20 or more carbon atoms or agalactose cluster), P is a membrane active polyamine, and masking agentM¹ contains a targeting moiety, a galactose or galactose derivativehaving affinity for the asialoglycoprotein receptor, covalently linkedto P via a physiologically reversible linkage L, such as a maleamatelinkage. Cleavage of L restores an unmodified amine on polyamine P.Masking agent M² is optional. If present, M² is a hydrophilic stericstabilizer covalently linked to P via a physiologically reversiblelinkage L, such as a maleamate linkage. x and y are each integers. Inits unmodified state, P is a membrane active polyamine. Delivery polymer(M¹-L)_(x)-P-(L-M²)_(y) is not membrane active. Reversible modificationof P amines, by attachment of M¹ and optionally M², reversibly inhibitsor inactivates membrane activity of P and reduces the net positivecharge of P. Sufficient masking agents are attached to P to inhibitmembrane activity of the polymer. x+y has a value greater than 50%, morepreferably greater than 60%, and more preferably greater than 70% of theamines on polyamine P, as determined by the quantity of amines on P inthe absence of any masking agents. Upon cleavage of reversible linkagesL, unmodified amines are restored thereby reverting P to its unmodified,membrane active state. The reversible bond of reversible linkage L ischosen such that cleavage occurs in a desired physiological condition,such as that present in a desired tissue, organ, or sub-cellularlocation. A preferred reversible linkage is a pH labile linkage.(M¹-L)_(x)-P-(L-M²)_(y), an ASGPr-targeted reversibly masked membraneactive polymer (masked polymer), and T-N, a polynucleotide-conjugate,are synthesized or manufactured separately. Neither T nor N arecovalently linked directly or indirectly to P, L, M¹ or M².Electrostatic or hydrophobic association of the polynucleotide or thepolynucleotide-conjugate with the masked or unmasked polymer is notrequired for in vivo liver delivery of the polynucleotide. The maskedpolymer and the polynucleotide conjugate can be supplied in the samecontainer or in separate containers. They may be combined prior toadministration, co-administered, or administered sequentially.

Polymer

The polymers of the invention are amphipathic membrane activepolyamines. A polymer is a molecule built up by repetitive bondingtogether of smaller units called monomers. A polymer can be ahomopolymer in which a single monomer is used or a polymer can becopolymer or heteropolymer in which two or more different monomers areused. The main chain of a polymer is composed of the atoms whose bondsare required for propagation of polymer length. A side chain of apolymer is composed of the atoms whose bonds are not required forpropagation of polymer length.

More specifically, the polymers of the invention are amphipathicmembrane active random copolymers. The monomers in random copolymers donot have a defined or arrangement along the main chain, and are written,for example, as: —A_(x)-B_(y)— or —A_(x)-B_(y)—C_(z)—. The generalcompositions of such polymers are reflective of the ratio of inputmonomers. However, the exact ratio of one monomer to another may differbetween chains. The distribution of monomers may also differ along thelength of a single polymer. Also, the chemical properties of a monomermay affect its rate of incorporation into a random copolymer and itsdistribution within the polymer. While the ratio of monomers in a randompolymer is dependent on the input ratio of monomer, the input ratio maynot match exactly the ratio of incorporated monomers.

Amphipathic

Amphipathic, or amphiphilic, polymers are well known and recognized inthe art and have both hydrophilic (polar, water-soluble) and hydrophobic(non-polar, lipophilic, water-insoluble) groups or parts.

Hydrophilic groups indicate in qualitative terms that the chemicalmoiety is water-preferring. Typically, such chemical groups are watersoluble, and are hydrogen bond donors or acceptors with water. Ahydrophilic group can be charged or uncharged. Charged groups can bepositively charged (anionic) or negatively charged (cationic) or both(zwitterionic). Examples of hydrophilic groups include the followingchemical moieties: carbohydrates, polyoxyethylene, certain peptides,oligonucleotides, amines, amides, alkoxy amides, carboxylic acids,sulfurs, and hydroxyls.

Hydrophobic groups indicate in qualitative terms that the chemicalmoiety is water-avoiding. Typically, such chemical groups are not watersoluble, and tend not to form hydrogen bonds. Lipophilic groups dissolvein fats, oils, lipids, and non-polar solvents and have little to nocapacity to form hydrogen bonds. Hydrocarbons containing two (2) or morecarbon atoms, certain substituted hydrocarbons, cholesterol, andcholesterol derivatives are examples of hydrophobic groups andcompounds.

As used herein, with respect to amphipathic polymers, a part is definedas a molecule derived when one covalent bond is broken and replaced byhydrogen. For example, in butyl amine, a breakage between the carbon andnitrogen bonds, and replacement with hydrogens, results in ammonia(hydrophilic) and butane (hydrophobic). If 1,4-diaminobutane is cleavedat nitrogen-carbon bonds, and replaced with hydrogens, the resultingmolecules are again ammonia (2×) and butane. However, 1,4,-diaminobutaneis not considered amphipathic because formation of the hydrophobic partrequires breakage of two bonds.

As used herein, a surface active polymer lowers the surface tension ofwater and/or the interfacial tension with other phases, and,accordingly, is positively adsorbed at the liquid/vapor interface. Theproperty of surface activity is usually due to the fact that themolecules of the substance are amphipathic or amphiphilic.

Membrane Active

As used herein, membrane active polymers are surface active, amphipathicpolymers that are able to induce one or more of the following effectsupon a biological membrane: an alteration or disruption of the membranethat allows non-membrane permeable molecules to enter a cell or crossthe membrane, pore formation in the membrane, fission of membranes, ordisruption or dissolving of the membrane. As used herein, a membrane, orcell membrane, comprises a lipid bilayer. The alteration or disruptionof the membrane can be functionally defined by the polymer's activity inat least one the following assays: red blood cell lysis (hemolysis),liposome leakage, liposome fusion, cell fusion, cell lysis, andendosomal release. Membrane active polymers that can cause lysis of cellmembranes are also termed membrane lytic polymers. Polymers thatpreferentially cause disruption of endosomes or lysosomes over plasmamembrane are considered endosomolytic. The effect of membrane activepolymers on a cell membrane may be transient. Membrane active polymerspossess affinity for the membrane and cause a denaturation ordeformation of bilayer structures. Membrane active polymers may besynthetic or non-natural amphipathic polymers.

As used herein, membrane active polymers are distinct from a class ofpolymers termed cell penetrating peptides or polymers represented bycompounds such as the arginine-rich peptide derived from the HIV TATprotein, the antennapedia peptide, VP22 peptide, transportan,arginine-rich artificial peptides, small guanidinium-rich artificialpolymers and the like. While cell penetrating compounds appear totransport some molecules across a membrane, from one side of a lipidbilayer to other side of the lipid bilayer, apparently without requiringendocytosis and without disturbing the integrity of the membrane, theirmechanism is not understood.

Delivery of a polynucleotide to a cell is mediated by the membraneactive polymer disrupting or destabilizing the plasma membrane or aninternal vesicle membrane (such as an endosome or lysosome), includingforming a pore in the membrane, or disrupting endosomal or lysosomalvesicles thereby permitting release of the contents of the vesicle intothe cell cytoplasm.

Endosomolytic

Endosomolytic polymers are polymers that, in response to a change in pH,are able to cause disruption or lysis of an endosome or provide forrelease of a normally cell membrane impermeable compound, such as apolynucleotide or protein, from a cellular internal membrane-enclosedvesicle, such as an endosome or lysosome. Endosomolytic polymers undergoa shift in their physico-chemical properties over a physiologicallyrelevant pH range (usually pH 5.5-8). This shift can be a change in thepolymer's solubility or ability to interact with other compounds ormembranes as a result in a shift in charge, hydrophobicity, orhydrophilicity. Exemplary endosomolytic polymers have pH-labile groupsor bonds. A reversibly masked membrane active polymer, wherein themasking agents are attached to the polymer via pH labile bonds, cantherefore be considered to be an endosomolytic polymer.

Amphipathic Membrane Active Random Copolymers

Amphipathic membrane active polyamines of the invention comprise:amphipathic membrane active polyamines (random heteropolymers).

For copolymers of the invention, the two or more monomeric speciesconsist minimally of: a monomer containing a pendant primary orsecondary amine group and a monomer containing a pendant hydrophobicpendent group. In a more preferred embodiment, the two monomer speciesconsist minimally of: a monomer containing a pendant primary orsecondary amine group and a monomer containing a pendant lowerhydrophobic pendent group. As used herein, a pendant group is a groupcomposed of the atoms linked to a polymer but whose bonds are notrequired for propagation of polymer length, i.e., neither the atoms norbonds of a pendant group are part of the main chain or backbone of apolymer to which the group is attached.

Amphipathic membrane active polyamine copolymers of the invention arethe product of copolymerization of two or more monomer species. In oneembodiment, amphipathic membrane active heteropolymers of the inventionhave the general structure:—(A)_(a)-(B)_(b)—wherein, A contains a pendent primary or secondary amine functionalgroup and B contains a lower hydrophobic pendant group (containing 2 toabout 6 carbon atoms). a and b are integers >0. To aid in synthesis,protected amine containing monomers, such as phthalimido-protected orBOC-protected amine monomers may be used during polymerization. Theamine protecting groups are removed after polymerization to yieldamines. The incorporation of monomers, up to 10%, containing pendantmedium or higher hydrophobic groups (7 or more carbon atoms) ispermissible. The incorporation of additional monomeric species in minoramounts (<5%) is also permissible. For example, polymers may also haveadditional reactive group-containing monomers. Reactive group-containingmonomers may be used to attach components to the polymer followingsynthesis of the polymer. A monomer can have a reactive group that doesnot participate in the polymerization reaction. A monomer can also havea reactive group that is protected. The protection group preventsreaction of the reactive group during polymerization. Afterpolymerization, the protection group is removed.

In another embodiment a terpolymer, a polymer having at least threedifferent monomeric species, is used as the delivery polymer. Forterpolymers of the invention, the three monomeric species consistminimally of: a monomer containing a pendant primary or secondary aminegroup, a monomer containing a first pendant hydrophobic group, and amonomer containing a second pendant hydrophobic group wherein the firstand second hydrophobic pendent groups are different. In a more preferredembodiment, the three or more monomers species consist minimally of: amonomer containing a primary or secondary amine group, a monomercontaining a pendant lower hydrophobic group, and a monomer containing apendant medium or higher hydrophobic group.

In one embodiment, amphipathic membrane active terpolymers of theinvention have the general structure:—(A)_(a)-(B)_(b)—(C)_(c)—wherein, A contains a pendent primary or secondary amine functionalgroup, B contains a pendant lower hydrophobic group (containing 2 toabout 6 carbon atoms), and C contains a pendant higher hydrophobic group(containing 12 or more carbon atoms). a, b, and c are integers >0. Toaid in synthesis, protected amine-containing monomers, such asphthalimido-protected or BOC-protected amine monomers may be used duringpolymerization. The amine protecting groups are removed afterpolymerization to yield amines. The incorporation of additionalmonomeric species in minor amounts (<5%) is possible. For example,polymers may also have additional hydrophobic monomers or reactivegroup-containing monomers. Reactive group-containing monomers may beused to attach components to the polymer following synthesis of thepolymer. A monomer can have a reactive group that does not participatein the polymerization reaction. A monomer can also have a reactive groupthat is protected. The protection group prevents reaction of thereactive group during polymerization. After polymerization, theprotection group is removed.

Hydrophobic groups are preferably hydrocarbons, containing only carbonand hydrogen atoms. However, non-polar substitutions or non-polarheteroatoms which maintain hydrophobicity, and include, for examplefluorine, may be permitted. The term includes aliphatic groups, aromaticgroups, acyl groups, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, arylgroups, aralkyl groups, aralkenyl groups, and aralkynyl groups, each ofwhich may be linear, branched, or cyclic. The term hydrophobic groupalso includes: sterols, steroids, cholesterol, and steroid andcholesterol derivatives. As used herein, lower hydrophobic monomers orgroups comprise hydrophobic groups having two (2) to six (6) carbonatoms. As used herein, medium hydrophobic monomers or groups comprisehydrophobic groups having seven (7) to eleven (11) carbon atoms. As usedherein, higher hydrophobic monomers or groups comprise hydrophobicgroups having twelve (12) to thirty-six (36) or more carbon atoms.

The biophysical properties of the amphipathic polymers are determined bythe classes of monomer species polymerized, the ratio at which they areincorporated into the polymer, and the size of the polymer. Differentpolymers can be made by altering the feed ratio of monomers in thepolymerization reaction or altering the groups used to modify a polymerbackbone. While the incorporated ratio of monomers in a polymer can bethe same as the feed ratio of monomers, the ratios can be different.Whether the monomers are incorporated at the feed ratio or at adifferent ratio, it is possible to alter the feed ratio of monomers toachieve a desired monomer incorporation ratio.

The ratio of amine groups to hydrophobic groups is selected to form awater soluble polymer with membrane disruptive activity. Preferredmembrane active polymers of the invention are water soluble at ≥1 mg/ml,≥5 mg/ml, ≥10 mg/ml, ≥15 mg/ml, ≥20 mg/ml, ≥25 mg/ml, and ≥30 mg/ml.Preferred membrane active polymers of the invention are surface active.Membrane active polymers of the invention are preferably in the sizerange of about 3 kDa to about 300 kDa. Because the polymers areamphipathic, they self-associate in aqueous solution, with a criticalassociation concentration ≤1 mg/ml.

In one embodiment, the monomer incorporation ratio for the membraneactive polyamine copolymers is about 4-8 amine monomers: 3-5 lowerhydrophobic monomers. In another embodiment, the monomer incorporationratio for the membrane active polyamines is about 5.4-7.5 aminemonomers: 3-3.5 lower hydrophobic monomers. In another embodiment, themonomer incorporation ratio for the membrane active polyamines is about2 amine monomers to about 1 lower hydrophobic monomers. In oneembodiment the hydrophobic groups of the hydrophobic monomers consist ofalkyl groups.

In one embodiment, the monomer incorporation ratio for the membraneactive polyamine terpolymers is about 4-8 amine monomers: 3-5 lowerhydrophobic monomers: 1 higher hydrophobic monomer. In anotherembodiment, the monomer incorporation ratio for the membrane activepolyamines is about 5.4-7.5 amine monomers: 3-3.5 lower hydrophobicmonomers: 1 higher hydrophobic monomers. In another embodiment, themonomer incorporation ratio for the membrane active polyamines is about6 amine monomers to about 3 lower hydrophobic monomers to about 1 higherhydrophobic monomer. In one embodiment the hydrophobic groups of thehydrophobic monomers consist of alkyl groups.

In one embodiment, the amine/lower hydrophobic group copolymers aresynthesized using monomers at a feed ratio of about 4-8 aminemonomer:about 3-5 lower alkyl monomer. In another embodiment, theamine/lower hydrophobic group copolymers can be synthesized usingmonomers at a feed ratio of about 15 amine monomer:4 lower hydrophobicgroup monomer.

In one embodiment, the amine/lower hydrophobic group/higher hydrophobicgroup terpolymers are synthesized using monomers at a feed ratio ofabout 4-8 amine monomer:about 3-5 lower alkyl monomer:1 higher alkylmonomer. In another embodiment, the amine/lower hydrophobic group/higherhydrophobic group terpolymers can be synthesized using monomers at afeed ratio of about 15 amine monomer:4 lower hydrophobic group monomer:1higher hydrophobic group monomer.

In one embodiment, particularly suitable membrane active polyaminescomprise copolymers having amine containing monomers, butyl-containingmonomers and higher hydrophobic group-containing monomers wherein thehigher hydrophobic group contains 12-18 carbon atoms. Particularlysuitable membrane active polyamines comprise poly(vinyl ether) randomterpolymers or poly(acrylate) random terpolymers.

In another embodiment, particularly suitable membrane active polyaminescomprise copolymers having amine containing monomers, lower hydrophobicgroup-containing monomers. Particularly suitable membrane activepolyamines comprise poly(vinyl ether) random copolymers orpoly(acrylate) random copolymers.

Particularly suitable membrane active polyamines comprise copolymershaving amine containing monomers and butyl-containing monomers.Particularly suitable membrane active polyamines comprise poly(vinylether) random copolymers or poly(acrylate) random copolymers.

Biodegradable Polymers

A polymer may have one or more cleavable bonds. If the cleavable bondsare naturally cleaved under physiological conditions or cellularphysiological conditions, the polymer is biodegradable. Thebiodegradable bond may either be in the main-chain or in a side chain.If the cleavable bond occurs in the main chain, cleavage of the bondresults in a decrease in polymer length and the formation of twomolecules. If the cleavable bond occurs in the side chain, then cleavageof the bond results in loss of side chain atoms from the polymer. Formembrane active polymers, biodegradation of the polymer will result indecreased membrane activity of the polymer. As used herein, the termbiodegradable means that the polymer will degrade over time by theaction of enzymes, by hydrolytic action and/or by other similarmechanisms in the body. Biodegradable bonds are those bonds which arecleaved by biological processes and include, but are not limited to:esters, phosphodiesters, certain peptide bonds and combinations thereof.Esters undergo hydrolysis and are also catalytically cleaved byesterases. Phosphodiesters are cleaved by nucleases. Peptide bonds arecleaved by peptidases. In particular, the polymer backbone is degradedor cleaved, or side chains (pendent groups) are degraded or cleaved,from the polymer. Biodegradable bonds in the biodegradable polymers maybe cleaved, under physiological conditions with a half life of less than45 min, more than 45 minutes, more than 2 hours, more than 8 hours, morethan 24 hours, or more than 48 hours. While biodegradable polymers areuseful for in vivo delivery, the polymer must be sufficiently stable toform a sufficiently sized polymer in aqueous solution. Also, the rate ofcleavage of a biodegradable bond must be slower than the labile bondused to attach a masking agent to the polymer. In a preferredembodiment, degradation of a biodegradable polymer occurs at a slowerrate than cleavage of the masking agents.

Masking

The delivery polymers of the invention comprise reversibly modifiedamphipathic membrane active polyamines wherein reversible modificationinhibits membrane activity, neutralizes the polyamine to reduce positivecharge and form a near neutral charge polymer, provides cell-typespecific targeting, and inhibits non-specific interactions of thepolymer. The polyamine is reversibly modified through reversiblemodification of amines on the polyamine.

The membrane active polyamines of the invention are capable ofdisrupting plasma membranes or lysosomal/endocytic membranes. Thismembrane activity is an essential feature for cellular delivery of thepolynucleotide. Membrane activity, however, leads to toxicity when thepolymer is administered in vivo. Polyamines also interact readily withmany anionic components in vivo, leading to undesired bio-distribution.Therefore, reversible masking of membrane activity of the polyamine isnecessary for in vivo use. This masking is accomplished throughreversible attachment of masking agents to the membrane active polyamineto form a reversibly masked membrane active polymer, i.e. a deliverypolymer. In addition to inhibiting membrane activity, the masking agentsshield the polymer from non-specific interactions, reduce seruminteractions, increase circulation time, and provide cell-specificinteractions, i.e. targeting.

It is an essential feature of the masking agents that, in aggregate,they inhibit membrane activity of the polymer, shield the polymer fromnon-specific interactions (reduce serum interactions, increasecirculation time), and provide in vivo hepatocyte targeting. Themembrane active polyamine is membrane active in the unmodified(unmasked) state and not membrane active (inactivated) in the modified(masked) state. A sufficient number of masking agents are linked to thepolymer to achieve the desired level of inactivation. The desired levelof modification of a polymer by attachment of masking agent(s) isreadily determined using appropriate polymer activity assays. Forexample, if the polymer possesses membrane activity in a given assay, asufficient level of masking agent is linked to the polymer to achievethe desired level of inhibition of membrane activity in that assay.Masking requires modification of ≥50%, ≥60%, ≥70%, or ≥80% of the aminegroups on the polymer, as determined by the quantity of amines on thepolymer in the absence of any masking agents. It is also a preferredcharacteristic of masking agents that their attachment to the polymerreduces positive charge of the polymer, thus forming a more neutraldelivery polymer. It is desirable that the masked polymer retain aqueoussolubility.

As used herein, a membrane active polyamine is masked if the modifiedpolymer does not exhibit membrane activity and exhibits cell-specific(i.e. hepatocyte) targeting in vivo. A membrane active polyamine isreversibly masked if cleavage of bonds linking the masking agents to thepolymer results in restoration of amines on the polymer therebyrestoring membrane activity.

It is another essential feature that the masking agents are covalentlybound to the membrane active polyamine through physiologicallyreversible bonds. By using physiologically reversible linkages or bonds,the masking agents can be cleaved from the polymer in vivo, therebyunmasking the polymer and restoring activity of the unmasked polymer. Bychoosing an appropriate reversible linkage, it is possible to form aconjugate that restores activity of the membrane active polymer after ithas been delivered or targeted to a desired cell type or cellularlocation. Reversibility of the linkages provides for selectiveactivation of the membrane active polymer. Reversible covalent linkagescontain reversible or labile bonds which may be selected from the groupcomprising: physiologically labile bonds, cellular physiologicallylabile bonds, pH labile bonds, very pH labile bonds, and extremely pHlabile bonds.

As used herein, a masking agent comprises a compound having an ASGPrtargeting moiety or a steric stabilizer and an amine-reactive groupwherein reaction of the amine-reactive group with an amine on a polymerresults in linkage of the ASGPr targeting moiety or steric stabilizer tothe polymer via a physiologically labile covalent bond. An ASGPrtargeting moiety is a group, typically a saccharide, having affinity forthe asialoglycoprotein receptor. A preferred steric stabilizer is apolyethylene glycol (PEG). Preferred masking agents of the invention areable to modify the polymer (form a reversible bond with the polymer) inaqueous solution. A preferred amine-reactive group comprises adisubstituted maleic anhydride. A preferred masking agent is representedby the structure:

wherein in which R¹ is an alkyl group such as a methyl (—CH₃) group,ethyl (—CH₂CH₃) group, or propyl (—CH₂CH₂CH₃) group (to form asubstituted alkylmaleic anhydride), and R² comprises anasialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPr) targeting moiety or a stericstabilizer.

The membrane active polyamine can be conjugated to masking agents in thepresence of an excess of masking agents. The excess masking agent may beremoved from the conjugated delivery polymer prior to administration ofthe delivery polymer.

Steric Stabilizer

As used herein, a steric stabilizer is a non-ionic hydrophilic polymer(either natural, synthetic, or non-natural) that prevents or inhibitsintramolecular or intermolecular interactions of a polymer to which itis attached relative to the polymer containing no steric stabilizer. Asteric stabilizer hinders a polymer to which it is attached fromengaging in electrostatic interactions. Electrostatic interaction is thenon-covalent association of two or more substances due to attractiveforces between positive and negative charges. Steric stabilizers caninhibit interaction with blood components and therefore opsonization,phagocytosis, and uptake by the reticuloendothelial system. Stericstabilizers can thus increase circulation time of molecules to whichthey are attached. Steric stabilizers can also inhibit aggregation of apolymer. A preferred steric stabilizer is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) orPEG derivative. As used herein, a preferred PEG can have about 1-500ethylene glycol monomers, 2-20 ethylene glycol monomers, 5-15 ethyleneglycol monomers, or about 10 ethylene glycol monomers. As used herein, apreferred PEG can also have a molecular weight average of about85-20,000 Daltons (Da), about 200-1000 Da, about 200-750 Da, or about550 Da. As used herein, steric stabilizers prevent or inhibitintramolecular or intermolecular interactions of a polymer to which itis attached relative to the polymer containing no steric stabilizer inaqueous solution.

ASGPr Targeting Moiety

Targeting moieties or groups enhance the pharmacokinetic orbiodistribution properties of a conjugate to which they are attached toimprove cell-specific distribution and cell-specific uptake of theconjugate. Galactose and galactose derivates have been used to targetmolecules to hepatocytes in vivo through their binding to theasialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPr) expressed on the surface ofhepatocytes. As used herein, a ASGPr targeting moiety comprises agalactose and galactose derivative having affinity for the ASGPr equalto or greater than that of galactose. Binding of galactose targetingmoieties to the ASGPr(s) facilitates cell-specific targeting of thedelivery polymer to hepatocytes and endocytosis of the delivery polymerinto hepatocytes.

ASGPr targeting moieties may be selected from the group comprising:lactose, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), galactosamine,N-formylgalactosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-propionylgalactosamine,N-n-butanoylgalactosamine, and N-iso-butanoyl-galactosamine (Iobst, S.T. and Drickamer, K. J. B. C. 1996, 271, 6686). ASGPr targeting moietiescan be monomeric (e.g., having a single galactosamine) or multimeric(e.g., having multiple galactosamines).

In some embodiments, the galactose targeting moiety is linked to theamine-reactive group through a PEG linker as illustrated by thestructure:

wherein n is an integer between 1 and 19.

In one embodiment, the membrane active polyamine is reversibly masked byattachment of ASGPr targeting moiety masking agents to ≥50%, ≥60%, ≥70%,or ≥80% of amines on the polyamine. In another embodiment, the membraneactive polyamine is reversibly masked by attachment of ASGPr targetingmoiety masking agents and PEG masking agents to ≥50%, ≥60%, ≥70%, or≥80% of amines on the polyamine. In another embodiment, the ASGPrtargeting moiety masking agents comprise an ASGPr targeting moietylinked to an amine-reactive group via a PEG linker. For membrane activepolyamine masking with both ASGPr targeting moiety masking agents andPEG masking agents, a ratio of PEG to ASGPr targeting moiety is about0-4:1, more preferably about 0.5-2:1. In another embodiment, there areabout 1.3-2 PEG masking agents to about 1 galactose derivative maskingagent.

Surface Charge

Zeta potential is a physical property which is exhibited by a particlein suspension and is closely related to surface charge. In aqueousmedia, the pH of the sample is one of the most important factors thataffects zeta potential. When charge is based uponprotonation/deprotonation of bases/acids, the charge is dependent on pH.Therefore, a zeta potential value must include the solution conditions,especially pH, to be meaningful. For typical particles, the magnitude ofthe zeta potential gives an indication of the potential stability of thecolloidal system. If all the particles in suspension have a largenegative or positive zeta potential, they will tend to repel each otherand there will be no tendency for the particles to come together.However, if the particles have low zeta potential values, there will beno force to prevent the particles coming together and flocculating. Thegeneral dividing line between stable and unstable suspensions fortypical particles is generally taken at either +30 or −30 mV. Particleswith zeta potentials more positive than +30 mV or more negative than −30mV are normally considered stable. Delivery polymers of the describedinvention exhibit a zeta potential of 20 mV to −20 mV at physiologicalsalt and pH 8, but are colloidally stable in aqueous solution and do notflocculate.

Positive charge, or zeta potential, of a membrane active polyamine isreduced by modification with the masking agents. Polymer charge,especially positive charge, can result in unwanted interactions withserum components or non-target cells. Positive surface charge also playsa role in membrane activity by enhancing interaction of the polymer withnegatively charged cell membranes. Therefore, delivery polymers withnear neutral net charge or zeta potential are preferred for in vivodelivery of polynucleotides. Delivery polymers of the invention,membrane active polyamines masked by reversible attachment of ASGPrtargeting moiety masking agents and steric stabilizer masking agents,have an apparent surface charge near neutral and are serum stable. Morespecifically, the delivery polymers of the invention have a zetapotential, measured at pH 8, between +30 and −30 mV, between +20 and −20mV, between +10 and −10 mV, or between +5 and −5 mV. At pH 7, the netcharge of the conjugate is expected to be more positive than at pH 8.Net charge, or surface charge, is a significant factor for in vivoapplications.

Labile Linkage

A linkage or linker is a connection between two atoms that links onechemical group or segment of interest to another chemical group orsegment of interest via one or more covalent bonds. For example, alinkage can connect a masking agent to a polymer. Formation of a linkagemay connect two separate molecules into a single molecule or it mayconnect two atoms in the same molecule. The linkage may be chargeneutral or may bear a positive or negative charge. A reversible orlabile linkage contains a reversible or labile bond. A linkage mayoptionally include a spacer that increases the distance between the twojoined atoms. A spacer may further add flexibility and/or length to thelinkage. Spacers may include, but are not be limited to, alkyl groups,alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, aralkenylgroups, aralkynyl groups; each of which can contain one or moreheteroatoms, heterocycles, amino acids, nucleotides, and saccharides.Spacer groups are well known in the art and the preceding list is notmeant to limit the scope of the invention.

A reversible or labile bond is a covalent bond other than a covalentbond to a hydrogen atom that is capable of being selectively broken orcleaved under conditions that will not break or cleave other covalentbonds in the same molecule. More specifically, a reversible or labilebond is a covalent bond that is less stable (thermodynamically) or morerapidly broken (kinetically) under appropriate conditions than othernon-labile covalent bonds in the same molecule. Cleavage of a labilebond within a molecule may result in the formation of two molecules. Forthose skilled in the art, cleavage or lability of a bond is generallydiscussed in terms of half-life (t½) of bond cleavage (the time requiredfor half of the bonds to cleave). Thus, reversible or labile bondsencompass bonds that can be selectively cleaved more rapidly than otherbonds a molecule.

Appropriate conditions are determined by the type of labile bond and arewell known in organic chemistry. A labile bond can be sensitive to pH,oxidative or reductive conditions or agents, temperature, saltconcentration, the presence of an enzyme (such as esterases, includingnucleases, and proteases), or the presence of an added agent. Forexample, increased or decreased pH is the appropriate conditions for apH-labile bond.

The rate at which a labile group will undergo transformation can becontrolled by altering the chemical constituents of the moleculecontaining the labile group. For example, addition of particularchemical moieties (e.g., electron acceptors or donors) near the labilegroup can affect the particular conditions (e.g., pH) under whichchemical transformation will occur.

As used herein, a physiologically labile bond is a labile bond that iscleavable under conditions normally encountered or analogous to thoseencountered within a mammalian body. Physiologically labile linkagegroups are selected such that they undergo a chemical transformation(e.g., cleavage) when present in certain physiological conditions.

As used herein, a cellular physiologically labile bond is a labile bondthat is cleavable under mammalian intracellular conditions. Mammalianintracellular conditions include chemical conditions such as pH,temperature, oxidative or reductive conditions or agents, and saltconcentration found in or analogous to those encountered in mammaliancells. Mammalian intracellular conditions also include the presence ofenzymatic activity normally present in a mammalian cell such as fromproteolytic or hydrolytic enzymes. A cellular physiologically labilebond may also be cleaved in response to administration of apharmaceutically acceptable exogenous agent. Physiologically labilebonds that are cleaved under appropriate conditions with a half life ofless than 45 min. are considered very labile. Physiologically labilebonds that are cleaved under appropriate conditions with a half life ofless than 15 min are considered extremely labile.

Chemical transformation (cleavage of the labile bond) may be initiatedby the addition of a pharmaceutically acceptable agent to the cell ormay occur spontaneously when a molecule containing the labile bondreaches an appropriate intra- and/or extra-cellular environment. Forexample, a pH labile bond may be cleaved when the molecule enters anacidified endosome. Thus, a pH labile bond may be considered to be anendosomal cleavable bond. Enzyme cleavable bonds may be cleaved whenexposed to enzymes such as those present in an endosome or lysosome orin the cytoplasm. A disulfide bond may be cleaved when the moleculeenters the more reducing environment of the cell cytoplasm. Thus, adisulfide may be considered to be a cytoplasmic cleavable bond.

As used herein, a pH-labile bond is a labile bond that is selectivelybroken under acidic conditions (pH<7). Such bonds may also be termedendosomally labile bonds, since cell endosomes and lysosomes have a pHless than 7. The term pH-labile includes bonds that are pH-labile, verypH-labile, and extremely pH-labile.

Reaction of an anhydride with an amine forms an amide and an acid. Formany anhydrides, the reverse reaction (formation of an anhydride andamine) is very slow and energetically unfavorable. However, if theanhydride is a cyclic anhydride, reaction with an amine yields an amideacid, a molecule in which the amide and the acid are in the samemolecule. The presence of both reactive groups (the amide and thecarboxylic acid) in the same molecule accelerates the reverse reaction.In particular, the product of primary amines with maleic anhydride andmaleic anhydride derivatives, maleamic acids, revert back to amine andanhydride 1×10⁹ to 1×10¹³ times faster than its noncyclic analogues(Kirby 1980).

-   -   Reaction of an amine with an anhydride to form an amide and an        acid.

-   -   Reaction of an amine with a cyclic anhydride to form an amide        acid.

Cleavage of the amide acid to form an amine and an anhydride ispH-dependent and is greatly accelerated at acidic pH. This pH-dependentreactivity can be exploited to form reversible pH-labile bonds andlinkers. Cis-aconitic acid has been used as such a pH-sensitive linkermolecule. The γ-carboxylate is first coupled to a molecule. In a secondstep, either the α or β carboxylate is coupled to a second molecule toform a pH-sensitive coupling of the two molecules. The half life forcleavage of this linker at pH 5 is between 8 and 24 h.

-   -   Structures of cis-aconitic anhydride and maleic anhydride.

The pH at which cleavage occurs is controlled by the addition ofchemical constituents to the labile moiety. The rate of conversion ofmaleamic acids to amines and maleic anhydrides is strongly dependent onsubstitution (R2 and R3) of the maleic anhydride system. When R2 ismethyl, the rate of conversion is 50-fold higher than when R2 and R3 arehydrogen. When there are alkyl substitutions at both R2 and R3 (e.g.,2,3-dimethylmaleicanhydride) the rate increase is dramatic: 10,000-foldfaster than non-substituted maleic anhydride. The maleamate bond formedfrom the modification of an amine with 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride iscleaved to restore the anhydride and amine with a half-life between 4and 10 min at pH 5. It is anticipated that if R2 and R3 are groupslarger than hydrogen, the rate of amide-acid conversion to amine andanhydride will be faster than if R2 and/or R3 are hydrogen.

Very pH-labile bond: A very pH-labile bond has a half-life for cleavageat pH 5 of less than 45 min. The construction of very pH-labile bonds iswell-known in the chemical art.

Extremely pH-labile bonds: An extremely pH-labile bond has a half-lifefor cleavage at pH 5 of less than 15 min. The construction of extremelypH-labile bonds is well-known in the chemical art.

Disubstituted cyclic anhydrides are particularly useful for attachmentof masking agents to membrane active polyamines of the invention. Theyprovide physiologically pH-labile linkages, readily modify amines, andrestore those amines upon cleavage in the reduced pH found in cellularendosomes and lysosome. Second, the α or β carboxylic acid group createdupon reaction with an amine, appears to contribute only about 1/20^(th)of the expected negative charge to the polymer (Rozema et al.Bioconjugate Chemistry 2003). Thus, modification of the polyamine withthe disubstituted maleic anhydrides effectively neutralizes the positivecharge of the polyamine rather than creates a polymer with high negativecharge. Near neutral polymers are preferred for in vivo delivery.

Step Polymerization

In step polymerization, the polymerization occurs in a stepwise fashion.Polymer growth occurs by reaction between monomers, oligomers, andpolymers. No initiator is needed since the same reaction occursthroughout, and there is no termination step so that the end groups arestill reactive. The polymerization rate decreases as the functionalgroups are consumed.

A polymer can be created using step polymerization by using monomersthat have two reactive groups (A and B) in the same monomer(heterobifunctional), wherein A comprises a reactive group and Bcomprises an A-reactive group (a reactive group which forms a covalentbond with A). Polymerization of A-B yields -[A-B]_(n)-. Reactive groupsA and B can be joined by a covalent bond or a plurality of covalentbonds, thereby forming the polymer monomer. A polymer can also becreated using step polymerization by using homobifunctional monomerssuch that A-A+B-B yields -[A-A-B-B]_(n)-. Generally, these reactions caninvolve acylation or alkylation. The two reactive groups of a monomercan be joined by a single covalent bond or a plurality of covalentbonds.

If reactive group A is an amine then B is an amine-reactive group, whichcan be selected from the group comprising: isothiocyanate, isocyanate,acyl azide, N-hydroxy-succinimide, sulfonyl chloride, aldehyde(including formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde), ketone, epoxide, carbonate,imidoester, carboxylate activated with a carbodiimide, alkylphosphate,arylhalides (difluoro-dinitrobenzene), anhydride, acid halide,p-nitrophenyl ester, o-nitrophenyl ester, pentachlorophenyl ester,pentafluorophenyl ester, carbonyl imidazole, carbonyl pyridinium, andcarbonyl dimethylaminopyridinium. In other terms, when reactive group Ais an amine then B can be an acylating or alkylating agent or aminationagent.

If reactive group A is a sulfhydryl (thiol) then B is a thiol-reactivegroup, which can be selected from the group comprising: iodoacetylderivative, maleimide, aziridine derivative, acryloyl derivative,fluorobenzene derivative, and disulfide derivative (such as a pyridyldisulfide or 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid (TNB) derivative).

If reactive group A is carboxylate then reactive group B is acarboxylate-reactive group, which can be selected from the groupcomprising: diazoacetate and an amine in which a carbodiimide is used.Other additives may be utilized such as carbonyldiimidazole,dimethylamino pyridine (DMAP), N-hydroxysuccinimide or alcohol usingcarbodiimide, and DMAP.

If reactive group A is a hydroxyl then reactive group B is ahydroxyl-reactive group, which can be selected from the groupcomprising: epoxide, oxirane, activated carbamate, activated ester, andalkyl halide.

If reactive group A is an aldehyde or ketone then reactive group B is analdehyde- or ketone-reactive group, which can be selected from the groupcomprising: hydrazine, hydrazide derivative, amine (to form a SchiffBase that may or may not be reduced by reducing agents such as NaCNBH₃),and hydroxyl compound.

A polymer can be created using step polymerization by using bifunctionalmonomers and another agent such that A-A plus another agent yields-[A-A]_(n)-.

If reactive group A is a sulfhydryl (thiol) group then it can beconverted to disulfide bonds by oxidizing agents such as iodine (I₂),sodium periodate (NaIO₄), or oxygen (O₂). If reactive group A can is anamine, it can be converted to a thiol by reaction with 2-Iminothiolate(Traut's reagent) which then undergoes oxidation and disulfideformation. Disulfide derivatives (such as a pyridyl disulfide or TNBderivatives) can also be used to catalyze disulfide bond formation.

Reactive groups A or B in any of the above examples can also be aphotoreactive group such as aryl azide (including halogenated arylazide), diazo, benzophenone, alkyne, or diazirine derivative.

Reactions of the amine, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, or carboxylate groupsyield chemical bonds that are described as amides, amidines, disulfides,ethers, esters, enamines, imines, ureas, isothioureas, isoureas,sulfonamides, carbamates, alkylamine bonds (secondary amines), andcarbon-nitrogen single bonds in which the carbon is boned to a hydroxylgroup, thioether, diol, hydrazone, diazo, or sulfone.

Chain Polymerization

In chain-reaction polymerization, growth of the polymer occurs bysuccessive addition of monomer units to a limited number of growingchains. The initiation and propagation mechanisms are different, andthere is typically a chain-terminating step. Chain polymerizationreactions can be radical, anionic, or cationic. Monomers for chainpolymerization may be selected from the groups comprising: vinyl, vinylether, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, and methacrylamide groups.Chain polymerization can also be accomplished by cycle or ring openingpolymerization. Several different types of free radical initiators canbe used including, but not limited to, peroxides, hydroxy peroxides, andazo compounds such as 2,2′-Azobis(-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride(AAP).

A naturally occurring polymer is a polymer that can be found in nature.Examples include polynucleotides, proteins, collagen, andpolysaccharides (starches, cellulose, glycosaminoglycans, chitin, agar,agarose). A natural polymer can be isolated from a biological source orit can be synthetic. A synthetic polymer is formulated or manufacturedby a chemical process “by man” and is not created by a naturallyoccurring biological process. A non-natural polymer is a syntheticpolymer that is not made from naturally occurring (animal or plant)materials or monomers (such as amino acids, nucleotides, andsaccharides). A polymer may be fully or partially natural, synthetic, ornon-natural.

RNAi Polynucleotide Conjugate

We have found that conjugation of an RNAi polynucleotide to apolynucleotide targeting moiety, either a hydrophobic group or to agalactose cluster, and co-administration of the RNAi polynucleotideconjugate with the delivery polymer described above provides forefficient, functional delivery of the RNAi polynucleotide to livercells, particularly hepatocytes, in vivo. By functional delivery, it ismeant that the RNAi polynucleotide is delivered to the cell and has theexpected biological activity, sequence-specific inhibition of geneexpression. Many molecules, including polynucleotides, administered tothe vasculature of a mammal are normally cleared from the body by theliver. Clearance of a polynucleotide by the liver wherein thepolynucleotide is degraded or otherwise processed for removal from thebody and wherein the polynucleotide does not cause sequence-specificinhibition of gene expression is not considered functional delivery.

The RNAi polynucleotide conjugate is formed by covalently linking theRNAi polynucleotide to the polynucleotide targeting moiety. Thepolynucleotide is synthesized or modified such that it contains areactive group A. The targeting moiety is also synthesized or modifiedsuch that it contains a reactive group B. Reactive groups A and B arechosen such that they can be linked via a covalent linkage using methodsknown in the art.

The targeting moiety may be linked to the 3′ or the 5′ end of the RNAipolynucleotide. For siRNA polynucleotides, the targeting moiety may belinked to either the sense strand or the antisense strand, though thesense strand is preferred.

In one embodiment, the polynucleotide targeting moiety consists of ahydrophobic group More specifically, the polynucleotide targeting moietyconsists of a hydrophobic group having at least 20 carbon atoms.Hydrophobic groups used as polynucleotide targeting moieties are hereinreferred to as hydrophobic targeting moieties. Exemplary suitablehydrophobic groups may be selected from the group comprising:cholesterol, dicholesterol, tocopherol, ditocopherol, didecyl,didodecyl, dioctadecyl, didodecyl, dioctadecyl, isoprenoid, andcholeamide. Hydrophobic groups having 6 or fewer carbon atoms are noteffective as polynucleotide targeting moieties, while hydrophobic groupshaving 8 to 18 carbon atoms provide increasing polynucleotide deliverywith increasing size of the hydrophobic group (i.e. increasing number ofcarbon atoms). Attachment of a hydrophobic targeting moiety to an RNAipolynucleotide does not provide efficient functional in vivo delivery ofthe RNAi polynucleotide in the absence of co-administration of thedelivery polymer. While siRNA-cholesterol conjugates have been reportedby others to deliver siRNA (siRNA-cholesterol) to liver cells in vivo,in the absence of any additional delivery vehicle, high concentrationsof siRNA are required and delivery efficacy is poor. When combined withthe delivery polymers described herein, delivery of the polynucleotideis greatly improved. By providing the siRNA-cholesterol together with adelivery polymer of the invention, efficacy of siRNA-cholesterol isincreased about 100 fold.

Hydrophobic groups useful as polynucleotide targeting moieties may beselected from the group consisting of: alkyl group, alkenyl group,alkynyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group, aralkenyl group, and aralkynylgroup, each of which may be linear, branched, or cyclic, cholesterol,cholesterol derivative, sterol, steroid, and steroid derivative.Hydrophobic targeting moieties are preferably hydrocarbons, containingonly carbon and hydrogen atoms. However, substitutions or heteroatomswhich maintain hydrophobicity, for example fluorine, may be permitted.The hydrophobic targeting moiety may be attached to the 3′ or 5′ end ofthe RNAi polynucleotide using methods known in the art. For RNAipolynucleotides having 2 strands, such as siRNA, the hydrophobic groupmay be attached to either strand.

In another embodiment, the polynucleotide targeting moiety comprises agalactose cluster (galactose cluster targeting moiety). As used herein,a galactose cluster comprises a molecule having two to four terminalgalactose derivatives. As used herein, the term galactose derivativeincludes both galactose and derivatives of galactose having affinity forthe asialoglycoprotein receptor equal to or greater than that ofgalactose. A terminal galactose derivative is attached to a moleculethrough its C-1 carbon. The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPr) isunique to hepatocytes and binds branched galactose-terminalglycoproteins. A preferred galactose cluster has three terminalgalactosamines or galactosamine derivatives each having affinity for theasialoglycoprotein receptor. A more preferred galactose cluster hasthree terminal N-acetyl-galactosamines. Other terms common in the artinclude tri-antennary galactose, tri-valent galactose and galactosetrimer. It is known that tri-antennary galactose derivative clusters arebound to the ASGPr with greater affinity than bi-antennary ormono-antennary galactose derivative structures (Baenziger and Fiete,1980, Cell, 22, 611-620; Connolly et al., 1982, J. Biol. Chem., 257,939-945). Mulivalency is required to achieve nM affinity. The attachmentof a single galactose derivative having affinity for theasialoglycoprotein receptor does not enable functional delivery of theRNAi polynucleotide to hepatocytes in vivo when co-administered with thedelivery polymer.

A galactose cluster contains three galactose derivatives each linked toa central branch point. The galactose derivatives are attached to thecentral branch point through the C-1 carbons of the saccharides. Thegalactose derivative is preferably linked to the branch point vialinkers or spacers. A preferred spacer is a flexible hydrophilic spacer(U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,968; Biessen et al. J. Med. Chem. 1995 Vol. 39 p.1538-1546). A preferred flexible hydrophilic spacer is a PEG spacer. Apreferred PEG spacer is a PEG₃ spacer. The branch point can be any smallmolecule which permits attachment of the three galactose derivatives andfurther permits attachment of the branch point to the RNAipolynucleotide. An exemplary branch point group is a di-lysine. Adi-lysine molecule contains three amine groups through which threegalactose derivatives may be attached and a carboxyl reactive groupthrough which the di-lysine may be attached to the RNAi polynucleotide.Attachment of the branch point to the RNAi polynucleotide may occurthrough a linker or spacer. A preferred spacer is a flexible hydrophilicspacer. A preferred flexible hydrophilic spacer is a PEG spacer. Apreferred PEG spacer is a PEG₃ spacer (three ethylene units). Thegalactose cluster may be attached to the 3′ or 5′ end of the RNAipolynucleotide using methods known in the art. For RNAi polynucleotideshaving 2 strands, such as siRNA, the galactose cluster may be attachedto either strand.

A preferred galactose derivative is an N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc).Other saccharides having affinity for the asialoglycoprotein receptormay be selected from the list comprising: galactose, galactosamine,N-formylgalactosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-propionyl-galactosamine,N-n-butanoylgalactosamine, and N-iso-butanoylgalactos-amine. Theaffinities of numerous galactose derivatives for the asialoglycoproteinreceptor have been studied (see for example: Iobst, S. T. and Drickamer,K. J. B. C. 1996, 271, 6686) or are readily determined using methodstypical in the art.

The term polynucleotide, or nucleic acid or polynucleic acid, is a termof art that refers to a polymer containing at least two nucleotides.Nucleotides are the monomeric units of polynucleotide polymers.Polynucleotides with less than 120 monomeric units are often calledoligonucleotides. Natural nucleic acids have a deoxyribose- orribose-phosphate backbone. A non-natural or synthetic polynucleotide isa polynucleotide that is polymerized in vitro or in a cell free systemand contains the same or similar bases but may contain a backbone of atype other than the natural ribose or deoxyribose-phosphate backbone.Polynucleotides can be synthesized using any known technique in the art.Polynucleotide backbones known in the art include: PNAs (peptide nucleicacids), phosphorothioates, phosphorodiamidates, morpholinos, and othervariants of the phosphate backbone of native nucleic acids. Basesinclude purines and pyrimidines, which further include the naturalcompounds adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine, uracil, inosine, andnatural analogs. Synthetic derivatives of purines and pyrimidinesinclude, but are not limited to, modifications which place new reactivegroups on the nucleotide such as, but not limited to, amines, alcohols,thiols, carboxylates, and alkylhalides. The term base encompasses any ofthe known base analogs of DNA and RNA. A polynucleotide may containribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, synthetic nucleotides, or anysuitable combination. Polynucleotides may be polymerized in vitro, theymay be recombinant, contain chimeric sequences, or derivatives of thesegroups. A polynucleotide may include a terminal cap moiety at the5′-end, the 3′-end, or both the 5′ and 3′ ends. The cap moiety can be,but is not limited to, an inverted deoxy abasic moiety, an inverteddeoxy thymidine moiety, a thymidine moiety, or 3′ glyceryl modification.

An RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotide is a molecule capable ofinducing RNA interference through interaction with the RNA interferencepathway machinery of mammalian cells to degrade or inhibit translationof messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts of a transgene in a sequencespecific manner. Two primary RNAi polynucleotides are small (or short)interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and micro RNAs (miRNAs). RNAi polynucleotidesmay be selected from the group comprising: siRNA, microRNA,double-strand RNA (dsRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and expressioncassettes encoding RNA capable of inducing RNA interference. siRNAcomprises a double stranded structure typically containing 15-50 basepairs and preferably 21-25 base pairs and having a nucleotide sequenceidentical (perfectly complementary) or nearly identical (partiallycomplementary) to a coding sequence in an expressed target gene or RNAwithin the cell. An siRNA may have dinucleotide 3′ overhangs. An siRNAmay be composed of two annealed polynucleotides or a singlepolynucleotide that forms a hairpin structure. An siRNA molecule of theinvention comprises a sense region and an antisense region. In oneembodiment, the siRNA of the conjugate is assembled from twooligonucleotide fragments wherein one fragment comprises the nucleotidesequence of the antisense strand of the siRNA molecule and a secondfragment comprises nucleotide sequence of the sense region of the siRNAmolecule. In another embodiment, the sense strand is connected to theantisense strand via a linker molecule, such as a polynucleotide linkeror a non-nucleotide linker. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAgene products about 22 nucleotides long that direct destruction ortranslational repression of their mRNA targets. If the complementaritybetween the miRNA and the target mRNA is partial, translation of thetarget mRNA is repressed. If complementarity is extensive, the targetmRNA is cleaved. For miRNAs, the complex binds to target sites usuallylocated in the 3′ UTR of mRNAs that typically share only partialhomology with the miRNA. A “seed region”—a stretch of about seven (7)consecutive nucleotides on the 5′ end of the miRNA that forms perfectbase pairing with its target—plays a key role in miRNA specificity.Binding of the RISC/miRNA complex to the mRNA can lead to either therepression of protein translation or cleavage and degradation of themRNA. Recent data indicate that mRNA cleavage happens preferentially ifthere is perfect homology along the whole length of the miRNA and itstarget instead of showing perfect base-pairing only in the seed region(Pillai et al. 2007).

RNAi polynucleotide expression cassettes can be transcribed in the cellto produce small hairpin RNAs that can function as siRNA, separate senseand anti-sense strand linear siRNAs, or miRNA. RNA polymerase IIItranscribed DNAs contain promoters selected from the list comprising: U6promoters, H1 promoters, and tRNA promoters. RNA polymerase II promotersinclude U1, U2, U4, and U5 promoters, snRNA promoters, microRNApromoters, and mRNA promoters.

Lists of known miRNA sequences can be found in databases maintained byresearch organizations such as Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, PennCenter for Bioinformatics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, andEuropean Molecule Biology Laboratory, among others. Known effectivesiRNA sequences and cognate binding sites are also well represented inthe relevant literature. RNAi molecules are readily designed andproduced by technologies known in the art. In addition, there arecomputational tools that increase the chance of finding effective andspecific sequence motifs (Pei et al. 2006, Reynolds et al. 2004,Khvorova et al. 2003, Schwarz et al. 2003, Ui-Tei et al. 2004, Heale etal. 2005, Chalk et al. 2004, Amarzguioui et al. 2004).

The polynucleotides of the invention can be chemically modified.Non-limiting examples of such chemical modifications include:phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages, 2′-O-methyl ribonucleotides,2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro ribonucleotides, 2′-deoxy ribonucleotides, “universalbase” nucleotides, 5-C-methyl nucleotides, and inverted deoxyabasicresidue incorporation. These chemical modifications, when used invarious polynucleotide constructs, are shown to preserve polynucleotideactivity in cells while at the same time increasing the serum stabilityof these compounds. Chemically modified siRNA can also minimize thepossibility of activating interferon activity in humans.

In one embodiment, a chemically-modified RNAi polynucleotide of theinvention comprises a duplex having two strands, one or both of whichcan be chemically-modified, wherein each strand is about 19 to about 29nucleotides. In one embodiment, an RNAi polynucleotide of the inventioncomprises one or more modified nucleotides while maintaining the abilityto mediate RNAi inside a cell or reconstituted in vitro system. An RNAipolynucleotide can be modified wherein the chemical modificationcomprises one or more (e.g., about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ormore) of the nucleotides. An RNAi polynucleotide of the invention cancomprise modified nucleotides as a percentage of the total number ofnucleotides present in the RNAi polynucleotide. As such, an RNAipolynucleotide of the invention can generally comprise modifiednucleotides from about 5 to about 100% of the nucleotide positions(e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%,70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the nucleotide positions). Theactual percentage of modified nucleotides present in a given RNAipolynucleotide depends on the total number of nucleotides present in theRNAi polynucleotide. If the RNAi polynucleotide is single stranded, thepercent modification can be based upon the total number of nucleotidespresent in the single stranded RNAi polynucleotide. Likewise, if theRNAi polynucleotide is double stranded, the percent modification can bebased upon the total number of nucleotides present in the sense strand,antisense strand, or both the sense and antisense strands. In addition,the actual percentage of modified nucleotides present in a given RNAipolynucleotide can also depend on the total number of purine andpyrimidine nucleotides present in the RNAi polynucleotide. For example,wherein all pyrimidine nucleotides and/or all purine nucleotides presentin the RNAi polynucleotide are modified.

An RNAi polynucleotide modulates expression of RNA encoded by a gene.Because multiple genes can share some degree of sequence homology witheach other, an RNAi polynucleotide can be designed to target a class ofgenes with sufficient sequence homology. Thus, an RNAi polynucleotidecan contain a sequence that has complementarity to sequences that areshared amongst different gene targets or are unique for a specific genetarget. Therefore, the RNAi polynucleotide can be designed to targetconserved regions of an RNA sequence having homology between severalgenes thereby targeting several genes in a gene family (e.g., differentgene isoforms, splice variants, mutant genes, etc.). In anotherembodiment, the RNAi polynucleotide can be designed to target a sequencethat is unique to a specific RNA sequence of a single gene.

The term complementarity refers to the ability of a polynucleotide toform hydrogen bond(s) with another polynucleotide sequence by eithertraditional Watson-Crick or other non-traditional types. In reference tothe polynucleotide molecules of the present invention, the binding freeenergy for a polynucleotide molecule with its target (effector bindingsite) or complementary sequence is sufficient to allow the relevantfunction of the polynucleotide to proceed, e.g., enzymatic mRNA cleavageor translation inhibition. Determination of binding free energies fornucleic acid molecules is well known in the art (Frier et al. 1986,Turner et al. 1987). A percent complementarity indicates the percentageof bases, in a contiguous strand, in a first polynucleotide moleculewhich can form hydrogen bonds (e.g., Watson-Crick base pairing) with asecond polynucleotide sequence (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 out of 10 being50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% complementary). Perfectlycomplementary means that all the bases in a contiguous strand of apolynucleotide sequence will hydrogen bond with the same number ofcontiguous bases in a second polynucleotide sequence.

By inhibit, down-regulate, or knockdown gene expression, it is meantthat the expression of the gene, as measured by the level of RNAtranscribed from the gene or the level of polypeptide, protein orprotein subunit translated from the RNA, is reduced below that observedin the absence of the blocking polynucleotide-conjugates of theinvention. Inhibition, down-regulation, or knockdown of gene expression,with a polynucleotide delivered by the compositions of the invention, ispreferably below that level observed in the presence of a controlinactive nucleic acid, a nucleic acid with scrambled sequence or withinactivating mismatches, or in absence of conjugation of thepolynucleotide to the masked polymer.

In Vivo Administration

In pharmacology and toxicology, a route of administration is the path bywhich a drug, fluid, poison, or other substance is brought into contactwith the body. In general, methods of administering drugs and nucleicacids for treatment of a mammal are well known in the art and can beapplied to administration of the compositions of the invention. Thecompounds of the present invention can be administered via any suitableroute, most preferably parenterally, in a preparation appropriatelytailored to that route. Thus, the compounds of the present invention canbe administered by injection, for example, intravenously,intramuscularly, intracutaneously, subcutaneously, or intraperitoneally.Accordingly, the present invention also provides pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier orexcipient. Parenteral routes of administration include intravascular(intravenous, intraarterial), intramuscular, intraparenchymal,intradermal, subdermal, subcutaneous, intratumor, intraperitoneal,intrathecal, subdural, epidural, and intralymphatic injections that usea syringe and a needle or catheter. Intravascular herein means within atubular structure called a vessel that is connected to a tissue or organwithin the body. Within the cavity of the tubular structure, a bodilyfluid flows to or from the body part. Examples of bodily fluid includeblood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), lymphatic fluid, or bile. Examples ofvessels include arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, sinusoids,veins, lymphatics, bile ducts, and ducts of the salivary or otherexocrine glands. The intravascular route includes delivery through theblood vessels such as an artery or a vein. The blood circulatory systemprovides systemic spread of the pharmaceutical.

The described compositions are injected in pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier solutions. Pharmaceutically acceptable refers to thoseproperties and/or substances which are acceptable to the mammal from apharmacological/toxicological point of view. The phrase pharmaceuticallyacceptable refers to molecular entities, compositions, and propertiesthat are physiologically tolerable and do not typically produce anallergic or other untoward or toxic reaction when administered to amammal. Preferably, as used herein, the term pharmaceutically acceptablemeans approved by a regulatory agency of the Federal or a stategovernment or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generallyrecognized pharmacopeia for use in animals and more particularly inhumans.

The RNAi polynucleotide-targeting moiety conjugate is co-administeredwith the delivery polymer. By co-administered it is meant that the RNAipolynucleotide and the delivery polymer are administered to the mammalsuch that both are present in the mammal at the same time. The RNAipolynucleotide-targeting moiety conjugate and the delivery polymer maybe administered simultaneously or they may be delivered sequentially.For simultaneous administration, they may be mixed prior toadministration. For sequential administration, either the RNAipolynucleotide-targeting moiety conjugate or the delivery polymer may beadministered first.

For RNAi polynucleotide-hydrophobic targeting moiety conjugates, theRNAi conjugate may be administered up to 30 minutes prior toadministration of the delivery polymer. Also for RNAipolynucleotide-hydrophobic targeting moiety conjugates, the deliverypolymer may be administered up to two hours prior to administration ofthe RNAi conjugate.

For RNAi polynucleotide-galactose cluster targeting moiety conjugates,the RNAi conjugate may be administered up to 15 minutes prior toadministration of the delivery polymer. Also for RNAipolynucleotide-galactose cluster targeting moiety conjugates, thedelivery polymer may be administered up to 15 minutes prior toadministration of the RNAi conjugate.

Therapeutic Effect

RNAi polynucleotides may be delivered for research purposes or toproduce a change in a cell that is therapeutic. In vivo delivery of RNAipolynucleotides is useful for research reagents and for a variety oftherapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, genomic discovery, geneticengineering, and pharmacogenomic applications. We have disclosed RNAipolynucleotide delivery resulting in inhibition of endogenous geneexpression in hepatocytes. Levels of a reporter (marker) gene expressionmeasured following delivery of a polynucleotide indicate a reasonableexpectation of similar levels of gene expression following delivery ofother polynucleotides. Levels of treatment considered beneficial by aperson having ordinary skill in the art differ from disease to disease.For example, Hemophilia A and B are caused by deficiencies of theX-linked clotting factors VIII and IX, respectively. Their clinicalcourse is greatly influenced by the percentage of normal serum levels offactor VIII or IX: <2%, severe; 2-5%, moderate; and 5-30% mild. Thus, anincrease from 1% to 2% of the normal level of circulating factor insevere patients can be considered beneficial. Levels greater than 6%prevent spontaneous bleeds but not those secondary to surgery or injury.Similarly, inhibition of a gene need not be 100% to provide atherapeutic benefit. A person having ordinary skill in the art of genetherapy would reasonably anticipate beneficial levels of expression of agene specific for a disease based upon sufficient levels of marker generesults. In the hemophilia example, if marker genes were expressed toyield a protein at a level comparable in volume to 2% of the normallevel of factor VIII, it can be reasonably expected that the gene codingfor factor VIII would also be expressed at similar levels. Thus,reporter or marker genes serve as useful paradigms for expression ofintracellular proteins in general.

The liver is one of the most important target tissues for gene therapygiven its central role in metabolism (e.g., lipoprotein metabolism invarious hypercholesterolemias) and the secretion of circulating proteins(e.g., clotting factors in hemophilia). In addition, acquired disorderssuch as chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis are common and are alsopotentially treated by polynucleotide-based liver therapies. A number ofdiseases or conditions which affect or are affected by the liver arepotentially treated through knockdown (inhibition) of gene expression inthe liver. Such liver diseases and conditions may be selected from thelist comprising: liver cancers (including hepatocellular carcinoma,HCC), viral infections (including hepatitis), metabolic disorders,(including hyperlipidemia and diabetes), fibrosis, and acute liverinjury.

The amount (dose) of delivery polymer and RNAi-polynucleotide-conjugatethat is to be administered can be determined empirically. We have showneffective knockdown of gene expression using 0.1-10 mg/kg animal weightof siRNA-conjugate and 5-60 mg/kg animal weight delivery polymer. Apreferred amount in mice is 0.25-2.5 mg/kg siRNA-conjugate and 10-40mg/kg delivery polymer. More preferably, about 12.5-20 mg/kg deliverypolymer is administered. The amount of RNAi polynucleotide-conjugate iseasily increased because it is typically not toxic in larger doses.

As used herein, in vivo means that which takes place inside an organismand more specifically to a process performed in or on the living tissueof a whole, living multicellular organism (animal), such as a mammal, asopposed to a partial or dead one.

EXAMPLES Polymer Syntheses Example 1. Poly(Vinyl Ether) RandomCopolymers

A. Vinyl Ether Monomers for Incorporation of Amine-Containing Monomers.

2-Vinyloxy Ethyl Phthalimide was prepared via reacting 2-chloroethylvinyl ether (25 g, 0.24 mol; CAS #110-75-8) and potassium phthalimide(25 g, 0.135 mol; CAS #1074-82-4) in 100° C. N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF,75 ml) using tetra n-butyl ammonium bromide (0.5 g; CAS #1643-19-2) asthe phase transfer catalyst. This solution was heated for 6 h and thencrashed out in water and filtered. This solid was then recrystallizedtwice from methanol to give white crystals.

B. Synthesis of Water-Soluble, Amphipathic, Membrane Active Poly(VinylEther) Polyamine Terpolymers.

X mol % amine-protected vinylether (e.g., 2-Vinyloxy Ethyl Phthalimide)is added to an oven dried round bottom flask under a blanket of nitrogenin anhydrous dichloromethane. To this solution Y mol % lower hydrophobicgroup (e.g., propyl, butyl) vinylether and optionally Z mol % higherhydrophobic group (e.g., dodecyl, octadecyl) vinylether are added (FIG.1). The solution is placed in a −50 to −78° C. bath, and the 2-vinyloxyethyl phthalimide is allowed to precipitate. To this solution 10 mol %BF₃.(OCH₂CH₃)₂ is added and the reaction is allowed to proceed for 2-3 hat −50 to −78° C. Polymerization is terminated by addition of ammoniumhydroxide in methanol solution. The polymer is brought to dryness underreduced pressure and then brought up in 1,4-dioxane/methanol (2/1). 20mol eq. of hydrazine per phthalimide is added to remove the protectinggroup from the amine. The solution is refluxed for 3 h and then broughtto dryness under reduced pressure. The resulting solid is dissolved in0.5 mol/L HCl and refluxed for 15-min to form the hydrochloride salt ofthe polymer, diluted with distilled water, and refluxed for anadditional hour. The solution is then neutralized with NaOH, cooled toroom temperature (RT), transferred to molecular cellulose tubing,dialyzed against distilled water, and lyophilized. The polymer can befurther purified using size exclusion or other chromatography. Themolecular weight of the polymers is estimated using columns according tostandard procedures, including analytical size-exclusion chromatographyand size-exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering(SEC-MALS).

C. Synthesis of DW1360.

An amine/butyl/octadecyl poly(vinyl ether) terpolymer, was synthesizedfrom 2-vinyloxy ethyl phthalimide (5 g, 23.02 mmol), butyl vinylether(0.665 g, 6.58 mmol), and octadecyl vinylether (0.488 g, 1.64 mmol)monomers. 2-vinyloxy ethyl phthalimide was added to a 200 mL oven driedround bottom flask containing a magnetic stir bar under a blanket ofArgon in 36 mL anhydrous dichloromethane. To this solution was addedbutyl vinyl ether and n-octadecyl vinyl ether. The monomers were fullydissolved at room temperature (RT) to obtain a clear, homogenoussolution. The reaction vessel containing the clear solution was thenplaced into a −50° C. bath generated by addition of dry ice to a 1:1solution of ACS grade denatured alcohol and ethylene glycol and avisible precipitation of phthalimide monomer was allowed to form. Aftercooling for about 1.5 min, BF₃.(OCH₂CH₃)₂ (0.058 g, 0.411 mmol) wasadded to initiate the polymerization reaction. The phthalimide monomerdissolved upon initiation of polymerization. The reaction was allowed toproceed for 3 h at −50° C. The polymerization was stopped by theaddition of 5 mL of 1% ammonium hydroxide in methanol. The solvents werethen removed by rotary evaporation.

The polymer was then dissolved in 30 mL of 1,4-dioxane/methanol (2/1).To this solution was added hydrazine (0.147 g, 46 mmol) and the mixturewas heated to reflux for 3 h. The solvents were then removed by rotaryevaporation and the resulting solid was then brought up in 20 mL of 0.5mol/L HCl and refluxed for 15 minutes, diluted with 20 mL distilledwater, and refluxed for an additional hour. This solution was thenneutralized with NaOH, cooled to RT, transferred to 3,500 molecularweight cellulose tubing, dialyzed for 24 h (2×20 L) against distilledwater, and lyophilized.

While polymers containing the indicated vinyl ether monomers aredescribed, the invention is not limited to these particular monomers.

D. Synthesis of Water-Soluble, Amphipathic, Membrane ActivePoly(Acrylate) Polyamine Terpolymers

Poly(acrylate) and poly(methylacrylate) heteropolymers may besynthesized using the general free radical reaction scheme (as usedherein a poly(methacrylate) polyamine is a subgenus of the genuspoly(acrylate) polyamine):

wherein R is independently a hydrogen or methyl group and X representsthe desired monomer pendent groups present in the polymer at the desiredratios.

For polymer syntheses, suitable monomers include, but are not limitedto:

BOC-protected amine-containing monomers (M):

wherein n=1-4 and removal of the BOC protecting group yields a primaryamine.

Lower hydrophobic group monomers (N):

wherein n=1-5 and one or more carbons may be unsaturated.

Higher hydrophobic group monomers (O):

wherein n=8-24 and one or more carbons may be unsaturated.

Using the above monomers, membrane active heteropolymers can besynthesized with the following compositions: M can be 50-90 mol %; N canbe 10-50 mol %; O can be 0-10 mol %.

E. Synthesis of Water-Soluble, Amphipathic, Membrane ActivePoly(Acrylate) Polyamine Terpolymers.

R, R′, and R″ are independently hydrogen or methylx=2, 3, or 4y=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 [methyl (C1)-hexyl (C6)]z=integer ≥8 [decyl (C10) or greater]a, b, and d are integers selected such that the polymer has the desiredratio of monomers as described above.

X mol % amine-protected acrylate monomer, Y mol % lower hydrophobicgroup acrylate monomer, and optionally Z mol % higher hydrophobic groupacrylate monomer are added to a reaction tube equipped with a stir bar.An appropriate solvent (e.g., acetonitrile or dioxane) is added,followed by an appropriate catalyst (e.g., AIBN), and the reactionmixture is purged with N₂. The reaction tubes are then capped andtransferred to an oil bath and heated (e.g., 60° C.) for sufficient timeto allow polymerization (e.g., 3 h). The crude polymer may be purifiedby appropriate means, including but not limited to dialysis, columnchromatography, and precipitation, prior to removal of the BOCprotecting groups. The BOC protecting groups are removed by reactionwith 2M HCl in glacial acetic acid. Removal of the BOC protecting groupsyield polymer primary amines and a water soluble membrane activepoly(acrylate) polyamine. The polymer may then be purified byappropriate means, including dialysis, column chromatography, andprecipitation.

Synthesis of (Ant 40911-3 23-28, Ant 40911-35-2).

2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN, radical initiator),acetonitrile, and dioxane were purchased from Sigma Aldrich. Acrylateand methacrylate monomers were filtered to remove inhibitors.3-(BOC-amino)1-propanol (TCI) was reacted with acryloyl chloride (CAS814-68-6) to produce BOC-amino propyl acrylate (BAPA).

In a 2 L round-bottom flask equipped with a stir bar, 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol (21.1 g, 202.9 mmol) was dissolved in 350 mL dichloromethane. Ina separate 1 L flask, BOC anhydride (36.6 g, 169.1 mmol) was dissolvedin 660 mL dichloromethane. The 2 L round-bottom flask was fitted with anaddition funnel and BOC anhydride solution was added to the flask over 6h. The reaction was left to stir overnight. In a 2 L separatory funnel,the product was washed with 300 ml each of 10% citric acid, 10% K₂CO₃,sat. NaHCO₃, and sat. NaCl. The product, BOC protected 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol, was dried over Na₂SO₄, gravity filtered, and DCM was evaporatedusing rotary evaporation and high vacuum.

In a 500 ml round bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and flushed withargon, BOC protected 2-(2-aminoethoxy) ethanol (27.836 g, 135.8 mmol)was added, followed by 240 mL anhydrous dichloromethane.Diisopropylethyl amine (35.5 ml, 203.7 mmol) was added, and the systemwas placed in a dry ice/acetone bath. Acryloyl Chloride (12.1 ml, 149.4mmol) was diluted using 10 ml of dichloromethane, and added drop-wise tothe argon flushed system. The system was kept under argon and left tocome to room temperature and stirred overnight. The product was washedwith 100 mL each of dH₂O, 10% citric acid, 10% K₂CO₃, sat. NaHCO₃, andsaturated NaCl. The product, BOC-amino ethyl ethoxy acrylate (BAEEA),was dried over Na₂SO₄, gravity filtered, and DCM was evaporated usingrotary evaporation. The product was purified through columnchromatography on 29 cm silica using a 7.5 cm diameter column. Thesolvent system used was 30% ethyl acetate in hexane. Rf: 0.30. Fractionswere collected and solvent was removed using rotary evaporation and highvacuum. BAEEA, was obtained with 74% yield. BAEEA was stored in thefreezer.

Polymer 40911-3 23-28:

70% BAPA, 25% butyl methacrylate (CAS 97-88-1), 5% octadecylmethacrylate (CAS 4813-57-4), (3% AIBN catalyst) mole feed ratio (0.0139total mol). BAPA (9.739 mmol) (A), butyl methacrylate (3.478 mmol) (B),and octadecyl methacrylate (0.6957 mmol) (D) were added to a 20 mLreaction tube equipped with a stir bar. Acetonitrile (16 ml) was added,followed by AIBN (0.4174 mmol). The above steps were repeated in orderto have two reactions run in tandem. The reaction mixture was purgedwith N₂ for 30 min. The reaction tubes were then capped and transferredto an oil bath and heated at 60° C. for 3 h. The tubes were removed andthe contents were combined. The crude polymer was precipitated intodeionized water, and reacted with neat trifluoroacetic acid (40 ml) for1.5 h to remove the BOC protecting groups and produce the primary aminesand a water soluble membrane active poly(acrylate) polyamine. 200 mLdeionized H₂O (dH₂O) were added to the reaction, the solution wastransferred to 3500 MW cutoff cellulose tubing, dialyzed against highsalt for 24 h, then against dH₂O for 18 h. The contents were evaporatedto dryness, dissolved in 100 mL dH₂O and lyophilized. The dried polymerwas dissolved in 50% MeOH/100 mM ammonium formate/0.2% formic acidsolution at 25 mg/ml. Three injections of crude polymer solution (250mg, 10 ml) were purified on S-200 sephacryl media using an XK50/30 cmcolumn used at a flow rate of 5.0 ml/min. The column was packed and usedaccording to the manufacturer's instructions. (GE Healthcare,instructions 56-1130-82 A1, 52-2086-00 AK). Polymer elution was detectedusing a Shimadzu RID-10A refractive index collector. Fractions from 23min to 28 min were collected and combined for each run. The solvent wasevaporated and the purified polymer was lyophilized twice.

Polymer Ant 40911-35-2:

80% BAEEA, 15% butyl methacrylate, 5% octadecyl acrylate, (3% AIBNcatalyst) mole feed ratio (0.013913 total mol). BAEEA (A) (11.13 mmol),butyl methacrylate (B) (2.086 mmol), and octadecyl acrylate (D) (0.6957mmol) were added to a 20 mL reaction tube equipped with a stir bar.Dioxane (16 ml) was added, followed by AIBN (0.4174 mmol). The abovesteps were repeated in order to have two reactions run in tandem. Thereaction mixture was purged with N₂ for 30 min. The reaction tubes werethen capped and transferred to an oil bath and heated at 60° C. for 3 h.The tubes were removed and the contents were combined. Dioxane wasevaporated through rotary evaporation and high vacuum and the crudepolymer was dissolved in 89.8% dichloromethane/10% tetrahydrofuran/0.2%triethylamine solution at 70 mg/ml. Three injections of crude polymersolution (700 mg, 10 ml) were purified on a Jordi gel divinyl benzene10⁴ Å column (internal diameter: 22 mm, length: 500 mm) used at a flowrate of 5.0 ml/min. Polymer elution was detected using a ShimadzuRID-10A refractive index collector. Fractions from 15.07 min-17.13 minwere collected and combined. The solvent was evaporated through rotaryevaporation.

Approximately 10 mg of the polymer was dissolved in 0.5 mL 89.8%dichloromethane, 10% tetrahydrofuran, 0.2% triethylamine. The molecularweight and polydispersity (PDI) were measured using a Wyatt Helos IImultiangle light scattering detector attached to a Shimadzu ProminenceHPLC using a Jordi 5μ 7.8×300 Mixed Bed LS DVB column. A molecularweight of 172,000 and a PDI of 1.26 were obtained.

The purified BOC-protected polymer was reacted with neat trifluoroaceticacid (7 ml) for 1.5 h (or 2 M HCl in glacial acetic acid for 0.5 h) toremove the BOC protecting groups and produce the amines. 40 mL dH₂O wereadded to the reaction, the solution was transferred to 3500 MW cutoffcellulose tubing, dialyzed against high salt for 24 hr, then againstdH₂O for 18 h. The contents were evaporated to dryness, then dissolvedin 20-30 mL dH₂O and lyophilized twice. The polymer solution was storedat 2-8° C.

The number of carbon atoms linking the amine to the backbone of thepolymer and whether or not the linker is branched, affects the pKa ofthe amine and steric effects near the amine. For example, for the abovepolymers, ethyl amine has a pKa of about 8.1, propyl amine has a pKa ofabout 9.3, and pentyl amine has a pKa of about 10.2. The pKa of theamine or steric effects near the amine affect the lability of maskinggroups attached to the amine. For reversible attachment of a maleicanhydride to an amine, a higher pKa of the amine results is a slowerrate of release of an anhydride from the amine. Also, increased sterichindrance near the amine, such as with an isopropyl linker, may increasethe pKa of the amine.

Polymer Lau 41305-38-17-19:

80% BAPA, 20% ethyl methacrylate (CAS 97-63-2), (3% AIBN catalyst) molefeed ratio (0.0105 total mol). BAPA (A) (8.40 mmol) and ethylmethacrylate (B) (2.10 mmol) were added to a 15 mL reaction tubeequipped with a stir bar. Acetonitrile (11.5 ml) was added followed byAIBN (0.315 mmol). The above steps were repeated in order to have tworeactions run in tandem. The reaction mixture was purged with N₂ for 30min. The reaction tubes were then capped and transferred to an oil bathand heated at 60° C. for 3 h. The tubes were removed and the contentswere combined. Acetonitrile was evaporated through rotary evaporationand high vacuum and the crude polymer was dissolved in 74.8%dichloromethane/25% tetrahydrofuran/0.2% triethylamine solution at 50mg/ml. Three injections of crude polymer solution (500 mg, 10 ml) werepurified on a Jordi gel fluorinated divinyl benzene 10⁴ Å column(internal diameter: 22 mm, length: 500 mm) used at a flow rate of 5.0ml/min. Polymer elution was detected using a Shimadzu RID-10A refractiveindex collector. Fractions from 17.16 min-19.18 min were collected andcombined. The solvent was evaporated through rotary evaporation. Thepurified BOC-protected polymer was reacted with 2M HCl in glacial aceticacid (7 ml) for 1.5 h to remove the BOC protecting groups and producethe amines. 40 mL dH₂O were added to the reaction, the solution wastransferred to 3500 MW cutoff cellulose tubing, dialyzed against highsalt for 24 hr, then against dH₂O for 18 h. The contents were evaporatedto dryness, then dissolved in 30 mL dH₂O and lyophilized twice.

F. Similar polymers, synthesized from (protected) amine monomers, lowerhydrophobic group monomers, and higher hydrophobic group octadecylgroups would be predicted to be effective in the practice of thedescribed invention.

Polymer Characterization Example 2. Characterization of DW1360

A. Amphipathic Analysis.

1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH, Invitrogen) fluorescence (λ_(ex)=350nm; λ_(em)=452 nm) is enhanced in a hydrophobic environment. Thisfluorophore was used to analyze the DW1360 polymer. 0.5 μM (finalconcentration) DPH was added to 10 μg DW1360 in 0.5 mL 50 mM HEPESbuffer, pH 8.0. The solution was then tested for DPH accumulation in ahydrophobic environment by measuring fluorescence of DPH. Increased DPHfluorescence in the presence of the conjugates indicates the formationof a hydrophobic environment by the polymer.

B. Molecular Weight.

Polymer Molecular Weights (mass) (MW) were determined on a Wyatt DawnHeleos II run in conjunction with optilab rEX in batch mode. Polymerswas brought up at varying concentrations in appropriate solvent and eachwas loaded onto the Wyatt system. Astra software then calculated changesin refractive index as a function of concentration (dn/dc) which wasused in a Zimm plot to calculate MW. The average molecular weightdetermined for purified DW1360 was 4000-6000 Da. The average molecularweight for the purified acrylate polymers was about 100-120 kDa.

C. Particle Sizing and Zeta Potential.

The zeta potential of the polymers was measured using a MalvernZetasizer nano series (Nano ZS) instrument. The zeta potential of theCDM-masked polymers varied between 0 and −30 mV and more predominantlybetween 0 and −20 mV. Zeta potential was measured in isotonic glucosebuffered at pH 8 with residual HEPES. At pH 7, the conjugates would beexpected to gain some positive charge due to protonation of some of theamines.

D. Quantification of Amine Groups in Conjugate after CDM-ReagentModification.

DW1360 polymer was synthesized as described previously followed bytreatment with 14 wt equivalents HEPES base and 7 wt equivalents of a2:1 wt:wt mixture of CDM-NAG and CDM-PEG (average 11 units). One hourlater, the amine content of the maleic anhydride derivative treatedconjugate was measured by treatment with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS) in 100 mM NaHCO₃. When normalized to a conjugate that had notbeen maleamate modified, it was determined that the amount of modifiedamines was about 75% of total. This degree of modification may be variedby changing the amount of added maleic anhydride or altering thereaction conditions.

E. Liposome Lysis.

10 mg of egg phosphatidylcholine was hydrated with 1 mL of buffercontaining 100 mM carboxyfluorescein (CF) and 10 mM HEPES pH 7.5.Liposomes were then be extruded through 100-nm pores polycarbonatefilters (Nucleopore, Pleasanton, Calif.). Unentrapped CF was removed bysize exclusion chromatography using Sepharose 4B-200 eluting with 10 mMHEPES at pH 8 and 0.1 mol/L NaCl. A 200 μL aliquot of the CF-loadedliposomes were added to 1.8 mL of isotonic buffer. Fluorescence(λ_(ex)=488, λ_(em)=540) was measured 30 min after addition of 0.25 μgof polymers to vesicle suspensions. At the end of each experiment,vesicles were disrupted by the addition of 40 μl of a 1% Triton X-100solution to determine maximal lysis.

Polymer Masking Agents Example 3. Masking Agents

A. Synthesis of 2-Propionic-3-Methylmaleic Anhydride Masking AgentPrecursor (Carboxydimethylmaleic Anhydride or CDM).

To a suspension of sodium hydride (0.58 g, 25 mmol) in 50 mL anhydroustetrahydrofuran was added triethyl-2-phosphonopropionate (7.1 g, 30mmol). After evolution of hydrogen gas had stopped,dimethyl-2-oxoglutarate (3.5 g, 20 mmol) in 10 mL anhydroustetrahydrofuran was added and stirred for 30 min. 10 mL water was thenadded, and the tetrahydrofuran was removed by rotary evaporation. Theresulting solid and water mixture was extracted with 3×50 mL ethylether. The ether extractions were combined, dried with magnesiumsulfate, and concentrated to a light yellow oil. The oil was purified bysilica gel chromatography elution with 2:1 ether:hexane to yield 4 g(82% yield) of pure triester. The 2-propionic-3-methylmaleic anhydridewas then formed by dissolving of this triester into 50 mL of a 50/50mixture of water and ethanol containing 4.5 g (5 equivalents) ofpotassium hydroxide. This solution was heated to reflux for 1 h. Theethanol was then removed by rotary evaporation and the solution wasacidified to pH 2 with hydrochloric acid. This aqueous solution was thenextracted with 200 mL ethyl acetate, isolated, dried with magnesiumsulfate, and concentrated to a white solid. This solid was thenrecrystallized from dichloromethane and hexane to yield 2 g (80% yield)of 2-propionic-3-methylmaleic anhydride.

Thioesters, esters, and amides may be synthesized from CDM by conversionof CDM to its acid chloride with oxalyl chloride followed by theaddition of a thiol, ester, or amine and pyridine. CDM and itsderivatives are readily modified, by methods standard in the art, withtargeting ligands, steric stabilizers, charged groups, and otherreactive groups. The resultant molecules can be used to reversiblymodify amines.

Masking agents were synthesized through modification of CDM to producepreferably charge neutral agents:

wherein R1 comprises an ASGPr targeting ligand or steric stabilizer(e.g. PEG).B. Masking Agent Containing an ASGPr Targeting Group.

The most widely-studied hepatocyte targeting ligands are based ongalactose, which is bound by the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPr) onhepatocytes. Attachment of galactose or a galactose derivative has beenshown to facilitate hepatocyte targeting of a few highly water soluble,uncharged polymers, including: the oligosaccharide chitosan, apolystyrene derivative, and a polyacrylamide HPMA. ASGPr targetinggroups are readily generated using lactose, a galactose-glucosedisaccharide, via modification of the glucose residue. Lactobionic acid(LBA, a lactose derivative in which the glucose has been oxidized togluconic acid) is readily incorporated into a maleic anhydridederivative using standard amide coupling techniques.

C. Steric Stabilizer CDM-PEG and Targeting Group CDM-NAG (N-AcetylGalactosamine) Syntheses.

To a solution of CDM (300 mg, 0.16 mmol) in 50 mL methylene chloride wasadded oxalyl chloride (2 g, 10 wt. eq.) and dimethylformamide (5 μl).The reaction was allowed to proceed overnight, after which the excessoxalyl chloride and methylene chloride were removed by rotaryevaporation to yield the CDM acid chloride. The acid chloride wasdissolved in 1 mL of methylene chloride. To this solution was added 1.1molar equivalents polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (MW average 550)for CDM-PEG or(aminoethoxy)ethoxy-2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy-β-D-galactopyranoside (i.e.amino bisethoxyl-ethyl NAG) for CDM-NAG, and pyridine (200 μl, 1.5 eq)in 10 mL of methylene chloride. The solution was then stirred 1.5 h. Thesolvent was then removed and the resulting solid was dissolved into 5 mLof water and purified using reverse-phase HPLC using a 0.1% TFAwater/acetonitrile gradient.

Preferably, PEG containing from 5 to 20 ethylene units are attached tothe di-substituted maleic anhydride. More preferably, PEG containing10-14 ethylene units are attached to the di-substituted maleicanhydride. The PEG may be of variable length and have a mean length of5-20 or 10-14 ethylene units. Alternatively, the PEG may bemonodisperse, uniform or discrete; having, for example, exactly 11 or 13ethylene units.

As shown above, a PEG spacer may be positioned between the anhydridegroup and the ASGPr targeting group. A preferred PEG spacer contains1-10 ethylene units.

Reversible Polymer Modification Example 4. ReversibleModification/Masking of Membrane Active Polyamine; i.e., Modification ofMembrane Active Polymer with CDM-NAG or a Mixture of CDM-NAG PlusCDM-PEG

To a solution of ×mg membrane active polyamine (e.g. DW1360 describedabove) in isotonic glucose was added 14×mg of HEPES free base followedby either 7×mg CDM-NAG or a mixture of 2.3×mg CDM-NAG and 4.6×mgCDM-PEG, for a total of 7× disubstituted maleic anhydride masking agent.The solution was then incubated for at least 30 min at RT prior toanimal administration. Reaction of CDM-NAG or CDM-PEG with the polyamineyielded:

wherein R is the polymer and R1 comprises a ASGPr targeting moiety orsteric stabilizer. The anhydride carboxyl produced in the reactionbetween the anhydride and the polymer amine exhibits ˜ 1/20^(th) of theexpected charge (Rozema et al. Bioconjugate Chemistry 2003). Therefore,the membrane active polymer is effectively neutralized rather than beingconverted to a highly negatively charged polyanion.

siRNA-Conjugate Example 5. RNAi Polynucleotide-Targeting MoietyConjugates

A. siRNA-Hydrophobe Conjugate.

Various hydrophobic groups were covalently linked to 3′ or 5′ ends ofsiRNA molecules using techniques standard in the art.

B. siRNA-GalNAc Cluster Conjugate.

The GalNAc cluster was made by attachment of three GalNAc PEG₃ groups tothe amines on a di-lysine branch point. The carboxyl group on thedi-lysine is then available for covalent attachment to the RNAipolynucleotide, such as an siRNA.

In Vivo siRNA Delivery Example 6. Administration of RNAi PolynucleotidesIn Vivo, and Delivery to Hepatocytes

RNAi polynucleotide conjugates and masked polymers were synthesized asdescribed above. Six to eight week old mice (strain C57BL/6 or ICR,˜18-20 g each) were obtained from Harlan Sprague Dawley (IndianapolisInd.). Mice were housed at least 2 days prior to injection. Feeding wasperformed ad libitum with Harlan Teklad Rodent Diet (Harlan, MadisonWis.). RNAi polynucleotide conjugates and masked polymers weresynthesized as described above. Mice were injected with 0.2 mL solutionof delivery polymer and 0.2 mL siRNA conjugates into the tail vein. Forsimultaneous injection of polymer and siRNA, the siRNA-conjugate wasadded to modified polymer prior to injection and the entire amount, 0.4ml, was injected. The composition was soluble and nonaggregating inphysiological conditions. For injections in which polymer and siRNA areinjected separately, polymer was injected in 0.2 mL of formulationsolution and siRNA was injected in 0.2 mL of isotonic glucose. Solutionswere injected by infusion into the tail vein. Injection into othervessels, e.g. retro-orbital injection, were equally effective.

Serum ApoB Levels Determination.

Mice were fasted for 4 h (16 h for rats) before serum collection bysubmandibular bleeding. Serum ApoB protein levels were determined bystandard sandwich ELISA methods. Briefly, a polyclonal goat anti-mouseApoB antibody and a rabbit anti-mouse ApoB antibody (BiodesignInternational) were used as capture and detection antibodiesrespectively. An HRP-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody (Sigma)was applied afterwards to bind the ApoB/antibody complex. Absorbance oftetramethyl-benzidine (TMB, Sigma) colorimetric development was thenmeasured by a Tecan Safire2 (Austria, Europe) microplate reader at 450nm.

Plasma Factor VII (F7) Activity Measurements.

Plasma samples from mice were prepared by collecting blood (9 volumes)by submandibular bleeding into microcentrifuge tubes containing 0.109mol/L sodium citrate anticoagulant (1 volume) following standardprocedures. F7 activity in plasma is measured with a chromogenic methodusing a BIOPHEN VII kit (Hyphen BioMed/Aniara, Mason, Ohio) followingmanufacturer's recommendations. Absorbance of colorimetric developmentwas measured using a Tecan Safire2 microplate reader at 405 nm.

Example 7. Delivery of siRNA to Hepatocytes In Vivo UsingsiRNA-Hydrophobe Conjugates Co-Administered with Masked DW1360 DeliveryPolymer

siRNA and delivery polymer were prepared and administered as describedabove using the indicated doses of siRNA and polymer.

A. RNAi Polynucleotide Delivery to Hepatocytes In Vivo.

Co-administration of siRNA-cholesterol conjugate and masked DW1360delivery polymer resulted in decreased serum ApoB protein levels,indicating delivery of the siRNA to hepatocytes and inhibition of apoBgene expression. Efficient delivery required both the delivery polymerand cholesterol conjugation to the RNAi polynucleotide (Table 1, FIG.2). No significant knockdown was observed with up to 5 mg/kgunconjugated siRNA. Further, the hydrophobic group could be attached toeither the 5′ or 3′ end of the siRNA.

TABLE 1 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection ofsiRNA-hydrophobe conjugate plus DW1360 delivery polymer, effect ofsiRNA-conjugate dose. siRNA dose Polymer dose Relative % siRNA (mg/kg)(mg/kg) ApoB^(a,b) 5′ cholesterol apoB 0.1 20 75 ± 5 0.25 20 42 ± 3 0.520 25 ± 6 1 20  26 ± 17 3′ cholesterol apoB 1 20 25 ± 2 5 0 102 ± 33unconjugated siRNA 0.5 16 87 ± 4 5 16  71 ± 20 ^(a)Percent knockdownrelative to control group (n = 3) injected with isotonic glucosesolution. ^(b)ICR miceB. Effect of Hydrophobic Group Size on RNAi Polynucleotide Delivery toHepatocytes.

Efficient delivery of siRNA to hepatocytes, using co-administration withDW1360 delivery polymer required that the siRNA be conjugated to ahydrophobic group having about 20 or more carbon atoms (Table 2, FIG.3). siRNA-hydrophobe conjugates having hydrophobic targeting moietieswith fewer than 20 carbon atoms exhibited progressively less efficientfunctional delivery. Hydrophobe targeting moieties having six (6) orfewer carbons were ineffective. Delivery efficiency was notsignificantly improved by increasing the size of the hydrophobetargeting moiety beyond 20 carbon atoms.

TABLE 2 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection ofsiRNA-hydrophobe conjugate plus DW1360 delivery polymer - effect ofhydrophobic group size. Polymer Carbon siRNA dose dose Relative % siRNAatoms^(b) (mg/kg) (mg/kg) Factor VII^(a,c) 5′-hexyl fVII 6 2.5 12.5 108± 18 5′-dodecyl fVII 12 2.5 12.5  66 ± 18 5′-octadecyl fVII 18 2.5 12.5 61 ± 19 5′-(decyl)₂ fVII 20 2.5 12.5 31 ± 8 5′-(dodecyl)₂ fVII 24 2.512.5 15 ± 5 5′-cholesterol fVII 27 2.5 12.5 15 ± 3 5′-(octadecyl)₂ fVII36 2.5 12.5 16 ± 3 ^(a)Percent knockdown relative to control group (n =3) injected with isotonic glucose solution. ^(b)number of carbon atomsin the hydrophobic group conjugated to the siRNA ^(c)C57BL/6 miceC. Effect of siRNA Dose on siRNA-Hydrophobe Conjugate Delivery toHepatocytes.

Knockdown of target gene expression in vivo is dependent on siRNA dose.For treatment of mice, administration of more than 1.25 mg/kg siRNA dosedid not improve target gene knockdown in vivo (Table 3, FIG. 4). Dosageas low as 0.25 mg/kg did however provide significant knockdown of targetgene expression in mice when co-administered with delivery polymer.

TABLE 3 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection of siRNA-hydrophobe conjugate plus DW1360 delivery polymer - effect of siRNAdose. siRNA dose Polymer dose Relative % siRNA (mg/kg) (mg/kg) FactorVII^(a,b) 5′-(dodecyl)₂ fVII 2.5 12.5 15 ± 5 1.25 12.5 25 ± 6 0.5 12.5 44 ± 14 0.25 12.5 61 ± 8 5′-(octadecyl)₂ fVII 2.5 12.5 16 ± 3 1.25 12.512 ± 9 0.5 12.5  23 ± 10 0.25 12.5 25 ± 3 5′-cholesterol fVII 2.5 12.515 ± 3 1.25 12.5  9 ± 1 0.5 12.5 31 ± 8 0.25 12.5  28 ± 11 ^(a)Percentknockdown relative to control group (n = 3) injected with isotonicglucose solution. ^(b)C57BL/6 miceD. Knockdown of Target Gene Expression In Vivo is Dependent on DeliveryPolymer Dose.

For treatment of mice, administration of about 12.5 mg/kg deliverypolymer provided maximal or near maximal RNAi-polynucleotide delivery asevidenced by target gene inhibition (Table 4, FIG. 5). Knockdown oftarget gene is affected by polymer dose. Excess siRNA-conjugate did notimprove target gene knockdown in the absence of sufficient polymer fordelivery.

TABLE 4 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection of siRNA-hydrophobe conjugate plus DW1360 delivery polymer - effect of deliverypolymer dose. siRNA dose Polymer dose Relative % siRNA (mg/kg) (mg/kg)ApoB^(a) 3′-cholesterol apoB 1 5 112 ± 11^(b)  1 8.75 54 ± 20^(b) 1 12.527 ± 5^(b)  1 17.5 28 ± 14^(b) 1 25 12 ± 4^(b)  1 3.75 91 ± 21^(c) 1 759 ± 30^(c) 1 12.5 38 ± 19^(c) 10 3.75 74 ± 13^(c) 10 7 71 ± 24^(c)^(a)Percent knockdown relative to control group (n = 3) injected withisotonic glucose solution. ^(b)ICR mice ^(c)C57BL/6 miceE. Sequential Administration.

The RNAi polynucleotide-hydrophobe targeting moiety conjugate anddelivery polymer may be administered to the animal sequentially. ForRNAi polynucleotide-hydrophobic targeting moiety conjugates, the RNAiconjugate may be administered up to 30 minutes prior to administrationof the delivery polymer. Also for RNAi polynucleotide-hydrophobictargeting moiety conjugates, the delivery polymer may be administered upto two hours prior to administration of the RNAi conjugate (Table 5).

TABLE 5 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection of siRNA-hydrophobe conjugate plus DW1360 delivery polymer - effect of sequentialadministration of siRNA and polymer. First Second Relative % siRNAinjection Interval injection ApoB^(a) 5′-cholesterol 0.5 mg/kg 15 min12.5 mg/kg 25 ± 5  apoB siRNA 30 min polymer 35 ± 13 120 min  90 ± 2012.5 mg/kg 120 min  0.5 mg/kg 20 ± 5  polymer siRNA 3′-cholesterol 0.5mg/kg  0 min 12.5 mg/kg 27 ± 11 apoB siRNA 15 min polymer 25 ± 9  30 min34 ± 12 12.5 mg/kg 15 min 0.5 mg/kg 41 ± 6  polymer 30 min siRNA 41 ± 15^(a)Percent protein relative to control group (n = 3) injected withisotonic glucose solution.F. Membrane Active Poly(Acrylate) Delivery Polymers.

Reversibly masked amphipathic membrane active poly(acrylate) polyaminesfunction as effective delivery polymers. Poly(acrylate) polymers wereprepared as described above and co-administered with siRNA-cholesterolconjugates in mice as described for DW1360 delivery polymers. Thepoly(acrylate) delivery polymers were effective in facilitating deliveryof siRNA to hepatocytes in vivo as indicated by reduced serum ApoB(Table 6). Efficient delivery required both the delivery polymer andcholesterol conjugation to the RNAi polynucleotide.

TABLE 6 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection of siRNA-hydrophobe conjugate plus masked poly(acrylate) delivery polymers.Polymer Poly(acrylate) siRNA dose dose Relative % polymer siRNA (mg/kg)(mg/kg) ApoB Ant 40911- 5′ cholesterol 0.5 15 14 ± 4  3 23-38 apoB Ant40911- 5′ cholesterol 0.5 20 23 ± 10 35-2 apoBG. Delivery of RNAi Polynucleotide-Hydrophobe Conjugate to Liver was notDependent on Either the LDL-Receptor or the Lipoprotein Receptor-RelatedProtein.

Co-administration of Factor VII siRNA-cholesterol conjugate and maskedDW1360 delivery polymer resulted in decreased in serum Factor VIIprotein levels in LDL-Receptor knockout mice and LipoproteinReceptor-Related Protein/LDL-Receptor double knockout mice. Therefore,siRNA-cholesterol is targeted to hepatocytes by means other than LDLparticles, LDL-Receptor or Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein (Table7).

TABLE 7 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection of siRNA-cholesterol conjugate plus DW1360 delivery polymer; effect of LDLreceptor and Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein on siRNA delivery.siRNA Polymer dose dose^(a) Polymer Relative % siRNA (μg) (μg)modification Factor VII^(a) LDL Receptor knockout mice cholesterol-siRNA0 0 100 ± 18 Factor VII 20 400 NAG + PEG  35 ± 18 20 400 NAG 26 ± 7 20400 PEG 99 ± 9 Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein/LDL-Receptor doubleknockout mice cholesterol-siRNA 0 0 100 ± 20 Factor VII 20 400 NAG + PEG11 ± 4 20 400 NAG 26 ± 9 20 400 PEG  88 ± 26 ^(a)relative % proteinH. Lyophilized Poly(Vinyl Ether) Samples.

To test whether the delivery polymer could be lyophilized for improvedstorage and transport, delivery polymer in solution was frozen andplaced in high vacuum on a lyophilizer. After 16 h, the sample was acrystalline powder that was then redissolved by addition of deionizedwater. To the redissolved polymer sample was added siRNA (5′ cholesterolapoB), and the sample was injected. Lyophilization showed no detrimentaleffects on the delivery polymer.

Galactose Cluster Targeted siRNA Example 8. Delivery of siRNA toHepatocytes In Vivo Using siRNA-Galactose Cluster ConjugatesCo-Administered with Masked DW1360 Delivery Polymer

siRNA and delivery polymer were prepared and administered as describedabove using the indicated doses of siRNA and polymer.

A. Co-Administration of siRNA-Galactose Cluster Conjugate and MaskedDW1360 Delivery Polymer.

Co-administration of siRNA-galactose cluster conjugate and masked DW1360delivery polymer resulted in decreased serum ApoB protein levels,indicating delivery of the siRNA to hepatocytes and inhibition of apoBgene expression. Efficient delivery required both the delivery polymerand galactose cluster conjugation to the RNAi polynucleotide (Table 8).No significant knockdown was observed with up to 5 mg/kg unconjugatedsiRNA. As with the hydrophobe conjugate siRNA above, onset of maximuminhibition is obtained with about 12.5 mg/kg delivery polymer dose. Notarget gene knockdown was observed in the absence of co-administereddelivery polymer. The galactose cluster-siRNA conjugate exhibited noactivity by itself.

TABLE 8 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection ofsiRNA-GalNAc cluster conjugate plus delivery polymer, effect of polymerdose. siRNA dose^(a) Polymer dose^(a) Relative % siRNA (mg/kg) (mg/kg)ApoB^(b) 5′GalNAc cluster 0.5 10 48 ± 9 apoB 0.5 20  26 ± 12 0.5 40 15 ±6 0.5 60  18 ± 10 unconjugated siRNA 0.5 16 87 ± 4 ^(a)mg siRNA orpolymer per kilogram animal weight ^(b)relative % proteinB. siRNA-Galactose Cluster Vs. siRNA-Galactose Monomer.

Functional delivery of siRNA to hepatocytes in vivo when co-administeredwith delivery polymer required a tri-antennary galactose targetingmoiety conjugated to the RNAi interference polynucleotide. No targetgene knockdown was observed when a single galactose molecule wasconjugated to the siRNA (Table 9). The GalNPr (N-propionylgalactosamine) galactose derivative is known to have a higher affinityfor the ASGPr than the GalNAc (N-acetyl-galactosamine) galactosederivative, further indicating the necessity of the triantennarygalactose cluster for efficient delivery.

TABLE 9 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection ofsiRNA-GalNAc cluster conjugate plus delivery polymer; trivalent vs.monovalent galactose RNA conjugate. Polymer siRNA dose^(a) dose^(a)Relative % siRNA Ligand (mg/kg) (mg/kg) protein^(b) apoB 5′GalNPrmonomer^(c) 0.25 12.5 100 ± 7  5′GalNAc cluster^(d) 0.25 12.5 56 ± 11^(a)mg siRNA or polymer per kilogram animal weight ^(b)relative %protein ^(c)N-Propionyl Galactosamine monomer ^(d)N-Acetyl Galactosaminecluster (trimer)C. Effect of Modification of Polymer with Galactose Derivative, PEG, orGalactose Derivative Plus PEG.

siRNA-galactose cluster and delivery polymer were prepared as describedabove except as follows: the delivery polymer was either masked withN-acetylgalactosamine alone, PEG alone, or N-acetylgalactosamine plusPEG. siRNA and delivery polymer were then administered to mice asdescribed above. Blood samples were then collected from mice and assayedto determine ApoB levels. Both galactose and PEG were required foroptimal delivery. By modifying the membrane active polymer with bothgalactose and PEG, only half of the siRNA dose was required to achievethe same effect and polymer modified with galactose alone.

Modification of polymer with PEG alone resulted in decreased siRNAdelivery compared to polymer modified with galactose alone or withgalactose plus PEG.

TABLE 10 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection ofsiRNA-GalNAc cluster conjugate plus delivery polymer; effect of polymermodification. Polymer siRNA dose^(a) dose^(a) Polymer Relative % siRNA(mg/kg) (mg/kg) modification ApoB^(b) 5′GalNAc cluster 0.5 20 CDM-NAG +26 ± 12 apoB CDM-PEG 1 20 CDM-NAG 23 ± 10 1 20 CDM-PEG 45 ± 10 ^(a)mgsiRNA or polymer per kilogram animal weight ^(b)relative % proteinD. Time Course of Sequence Specific Gene Knockdown FollowingCo-Administration of siRNA-Targeting Moiety Conjugate and DeliveryPolymer.

siRNA and delivery polymer were prepared as and administered to mice asdescribed above. Blood samples were then collected from mice at theindicated times and assayed to determine ApoB levels. ApoB levels wereobserved to gradually decrease until they reached 3% of control leverafter 72 h. Thus, maximum target gene knockdown may occur after aboutthree (3) days. This delay in onset of maximum decrease in proteinlevels may reflect the time required to clear or degrade ApoB proteinrather than the time required for maximum RNAi polynucleotide deliveryor for gene knockdown.

TABLE 11 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection of siRNA-GalNAc cluster conjugate plus delivery polymer; time course of targetgene knockdown. Polymer siRNA dose^(a) dose^(a) Hours Relative % siRNA(mg/kg) (mg/kg) post injection protein^(b) 5′GalNAc cluster 1 20 5 134 ±15 apoB 24 35 ± 3 48 12 ± 2 72  3 ± 1 ^(a)mg siRNA or polymer perkilogram animal weight ^(b)relative % proteinE. Sequential Injection of siRNA Galactose Cluster Conjugate andDelivery Polymer.

The indicated amounts of siRNA-galactose cluster conjugate and deliverypolymer were prepared and administered to mice as described above. Bloodsamples were then collected from mice and assayed to determine ApoBlevels. For siRNA targeted to the liver with the galactose cluster,optimal delivery was observed with simultaneous delivery of the siRNAand delivery polymer. Significant siRNA delivery was observed when thesiRNA-conjugate was administered up to 15 minutes after administrationof the polymer. Only modest delivery was observed when thesiRNA-conjugate was administered prior to (up to 15 minutes) thedelivery polymer.

TABLE 12 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection ofsiRNA-GalNAc cluster conjugate plus delivery polymer; simultaneousadministration and separate administration. First Relative % siRNAinjection Interval Second injection apoB 5′GalNAc 0.25 mg/kg  0 min 12.5mg/kg 28 ± 14 cluster apoB siRNA polymer 12.5 mg/kg 15 min 0.25 mg/kgsiRNA 56 ± 18 polymer 0.25 mg/kg 15 min 12.5 mg/kg 88 ± 14 siRNA polymerF. Insertion of a PEG Linker Between the Galactose Cluster TargetingLigand and the RNA″ Polynucleotide.

siRNA-galactose cluster conjugates were either prepared inserting PEGspacers, PEG₁₉ or PEG₂₄, between the galactose cluster and the siRNA orprepared without a PEG spacer between the galactose cluster and thesiRNA. The siRNA-conjugates were then co-administered with deliverypolymer. Insertion of PEG spacers did not improve delivery of the siRNAto hepatocytes as determined by gene knockdown.

TABLE 13 Knockdown of target gene in vivo following injection ofsiRNA-GalNAc cluster conjugate plus delivery polymer; effect of PEGlinker in RNA conjugate. siRNA dose^(a) PEG Polymer dose^(a) Relative %siRNA (mg/kg) linker (mg/kg) ApoB^(b) 5′GalNAc cluster 0.25 none 12.5 28± 14 apoB 5′GalNAc cluster- 0.25 PEG₁₉ 12.5 82 ± 19 PEG₁₉ apoB 5′GalNAccluster- 0.25 PEG₂₄ 12.5 72 ± 13 PEG₂₄ apoB ^(a)mg siRNA or polymer perkilogram animal weight ^(b)relative % protein

Example 9. Delivery of siRNA to Primate Hepatocytes In Vivo

RNAi polynucleotide conjugates and masked polymers were synthesized asdescribed above.

A Rhesus monkey (3.9 kg male) was injected I.V. with 7.8 mL of asolution containing 1.0 mg/ml cholesterol-siApoB and 7.5 mg/ml DW1360modified with 7×wt ratio of 2:1 CDM-PEG:CDM-NAG, giving a final dose of2 mg/kg cholesterol-siApoB and 15 mg/kg DW1360. Another Rhesus monkey(4.5 kg male) was injected with isotonic glucose and served as acontrol.

Serum ApoB Levels Determination.

Serum ApoB protein levels were monitored during the course. Primates wasfasted for 4 h before serum collection. Serum ApoB protein levels weredetermined by standard sandwich ELISA methods. Briefly, a polyclonalgoat anti-mouse ApoB antibody and a rabbit anti-mouse ApoB antibody(Biodesign International) were used as capture and detection antibodiesrespectively. An HRP-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody (Sigma)was applied afterwards to bind the ApoB/antibody complex. Absorbance oftetramethyl-benzidine (TMB, Sigma) colorimetric development was thenmeasured by a Tecan Safire2 (Austria, Europe) microplate reader at 450nm. The results are given in Table 14. The Rhesus monkey receiving thecholesterol-siApoB siRNA showed a decrease in serum ApoB levels overtime, reaching a maximum knockdown of 76% on Day 15 after injectioncompared to Day −1 pre-dose levels. ApoB levels recovered to the nearDay −1 pre-dose levels on Day 50. No decrease in serum ApoB levels wereobserved in the control animal.

TABLE 14 Serum ApoB levels normalized to Day 1. Treatment chol-siRNA(ApoB) + Day Isotonic glucose polymer 1 1.00 1 2 1.24 1.07 4 1.38 0.69 71.22 0.56 11 1.39 0.32 15 1.43 0.24 18 1.36 0.25 22 1.44 0.31 29 1.130.30 36 1.21 0.48

Example 10. Simultaneous Knockdown of Two Genes

Co-administration of siRNA-cholesterol conjugates to two independentgenes, apoB and factor VII, and masked DW1360 delivery polymer resultedin simultaneous inhibition of both genes. The composition wasadministered to mice as described above. (Table 15).

TABLE 15 Simultaneous knockdown of 2 target genes in vivo followinginjection of two different siRNA-hydrophobe conjugates plus 400 μgDW1360 delivery polymer. 3′ cholesterol- 3′ cholesterol-factor Relative% Relative apoB (μg) VII (μg) ApoB^(a) % Factor VII^(a) 0 0 100 ± 19 100± 25 20 0 12 ± 4 124 ± 21 0 20  81 ± 12 14 ± 5 20 20 10 ± 6 12 ± 1^(a)Percent knockdown relative to control group (n = 3) injected withisotonic glucose solution.

Toxicity Evaluation Example 11. Toxicity

The potential toxicity of the delivery system was assessed by measuringserum levels of liver enzymes and cytokines. Slight elevations of ALTand AST levels were detected in mice receiving control siRNA or apoB-1siRNA conjugates as compared to saline-treated mice 48 h afterinjection. However, the increased levels were not significant (p<0.05),and histological examination of liver sections did not reveal signs ofliver toxicity. Similarly, analysis of TNF-α and IL-6 levels in serumusing ELISA revealed that both were slightly elevated 6 h afterinjection of siRNA-polymer conjugate. The levels of both returned tobaseline by 48 h. No statistically significant toxicity was measured atthe minimal effective dose in mice or rats. These results indicate thetargeted delivery system was well-tolerated.

Example 12

The siRNAs had the following sequences:

apoB siRNA: (SEQ ID 1) sense 5′ GGAAUCuuAuAuuuGAUCcAsA 3′ (SEQ ID 2)antisense 5′ uuGGAUcAAAuAuAAGAuUCcscsU 3′ factor VII siRNA (SEQ ID 3)sense 5′ GGAUfCfAUfCfUfCfAAGUfCfUfUfACfdTdT 3′ (SEQ ID 4) antisense 5′GUfAAGACfUfUfGAGAUfGAUfCfCfdTsdT 3′ small letter = 2′-O-CH₃ substitutions = phosphorothioate linkage f after nucleotide = 2′-F substitutiond before nucleotide = 2′-deoxy

Example 13. Synthesis of GalNAc Cluster A.{2-[2-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-acetic acid benzyl ester

2-[2-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethanol (62.2 g, 414 mmol) was dissolvedunder argon in 875 mL of abs. DMF and cooled to 0° C. NaH (12.1 g, 277mmol, 55% in mineral oil) was carefully added, the ice bath removed, andstirring continued for 1 h at 80° C. The reaction mixture was cooled toambient temperature and treated with bromoacetic acid (18.98 g, 137mmol) which was added via dropping funnel as a DMF-solution (20 ml).After an additional 30 min. at 75° C., bromomethyl-benzene (23.36 g, 137mmol) was added neat and esterification allowed to proceed for 30 min.Cooling, careful pouring onto crashed ice, extraction with ethylacetate, washing with water, drying over Na₂SO₄, and evaporation of allsolvents followed by flash chromatography (SiO₂, ethylacetate/heptane=8/2) yielded 6.41 g of the title compound as a yellowoil. MS (ISP): 299.2 [M+H]⁺.

B. Acetic acid(3aR,5R,6R,7R,7aR)-6-acetoxy-5-acetoxymethyl-2-methyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-3aH-pyrano[3,2-d]oxazol-7-ylester

Commercially available acetic acid(2S,3R,4R,5R,6R)-4,5-diacetoxy-6-acetoxymethyl-3-acetylamino-tetrahydro-pyran-2-ylester (10.0 g, 26 mmol) was dissolved in 116 mL of abs. CH₂Cl₂ andtreated with trimethylsilyl triflate (14.27 g, 64 mmol). The reactionwas allowed to proceed over night at 45° C. After cooling to 0° C.,triethylamine (4.88 ml, 35 mmol) was added, the mixture diluted withCH₂Cl₂ and washed with NaHCO₃-solution and water. Drying over Na₂SO₄ andevaporation of the solvent yielded 10.3 g of the title compound asbrownish oil which was used without further purification for the nextstep. MS (ISP): 330.0 [M+H]⁺.

C.(2-{2-[2-((2R,3R,4R,5R,6R)-4,5-Diacetoxy-6-acetoxymethyl-3-acetylamino-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-aceticacid benzyl ester

The above prepared acetic acid(3aR,5R,6R,7R,7aR)-6-acetoxy-5-acetoxymethyl-2-methyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-3aH-pyrano[3,2-d]oxazol-7-ylester (10.3 g, 26 mmol) and{2-[2-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-acetic acid benzyl ester (8.62g, 29 mmol) were mixed in 520 mL of CH₂Cl₂ and treated with 63 g of 4Angstrom molecular sieves. After 1 h trimethylsilyl triflate (6.13 g, 28mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred over the weekend atambient temperature. Triethylamine (5.21 ml, 37 mmol) was added, themolecular sieves filtered off, the filtrate diluted with CH₂Cl₂ andwashed with NaHCO₃-solution and water. Drying over Na₂SO₄ andevaporation of the solvent followed by flash chromatography (SiO₂, ethylacetate/AcOH/MeOH/water=60/3/3/2) afforded 15.7 g of the title compoundas a brownish oil. MS (ISP): 626.6 [M−H]⁻.

D.(2-{2-[2-((2R,3R,4R,5R,6R)-4,5-Diacetoxy-6-acetoxymethyl-3-acetylamino-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]ethoxy}-ethoxy)-aceticacid

The above prepared(2-{2-[2-((2R,3R,4R,5R,6R)-4,5-diacetoxy-6-acetoxymethyl-3-acetylamino-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-aceticacid benzyl ester (15.7 g, 25 mmol) was dissolved in 525 mL of ethylacetate and hydrogenated over 1.6 g of Pd/C (10%) under 1 atm. of H₂ atambient temperature for 3 h. Filtration over Celite and evaporation ofthe solvent, followed by flash chromatography (SiO₂, CH₂Cl₂/MeOH=80/20)gave 6.07 g of the title compound as a brownish gum. MS (ISP): 536.5[M−H]⁻.

E. GalNAc Cluster Benzyl Ester

The above prepared (2-{2-[2-((2R,3R,4R,5R,6R)-4,5-diacetoxy-6-acetoxymethyl-3-acetylamino-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-aceticacid (2.820 g, 5.246 mmol) and(S)-6-amino-2-((S)-2,6-diamino-hexanoylamino)-hexanoic acid benzyl esterhydrochloride (preparation see below, 0.829 g, 1.749 mmol) weredissolved in a mixture of 32 mL of CH₂Cl₂ and 3.2 mL of DMF, treatedsuccessively with Hünnig's base (2.096 ml, 12.25 mmol),1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (0.714 g, 5.248 mmol) and1-(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (1.006 g,5.248 mmol), and stirred over night at ambient temperature. Allvolatiles were removed i.V., and the crude reaction mixture purified bypreparative HPLC (38 runs, Gemini, 5μ, C18) to give after lyophilization1.650 g of the title product as white powder. MS (ISP): 1945.8 [M+Na]⁺.NMR (600 MHz, DMSO).

F. GalNAc Cluster Free Acid

(17S,20S)-1-((2R,3R,4R,5R,6R)-3-acetamido-4,5-diacetoxy-6-(acetoxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-20-(1-((2R,3R,4R,5R,6R)-3-acetamido-4,5-diacetoxy-6-(acetoxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-11-oxo-3,6,9-trioxa-12-azahexadecan-16-yl)-17-(2-(2-(2-(2-((2R,3R,4R,5R,6R)-3-acetamido-4,5-diacetoxy-6-(acetoxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)acetamido)-11,18-dioxo-3,6,9-trioxa-12,19-diazahenicosan-21-oicacid.

The above prepared GalNAc Cluster benzyl ester (0.674 g, 0.350 mmol) wasdissolved in 50 mL of MeOH and hydrogenated over 0.065 g of Pd/C (10%)under 1 atm. of H₂ at ambient temperature for 4 h. Filtration overCelite and evaporation of the solvent left 0.620 g of the title compoundas a white foam. MS (ISP): 1917.0 [M+2H]²⁺. NMR (600 MHz, DMSO).

Example 14. (S)-6-amino-2-((S)-2,6-diamino-hexanoylamino)-hexanoic acidbenzyl ester hydrochloride

The building block(S)-6-amino-2-((S)-2,6-diamino-hexanoylamino)-hexanoic acid benzyl esterhydrochloride was synthesized as follows:

A.(S)-6-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-2-(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)-hexanoicacid benzyl ester

(S)-6-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-2-(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)-hexanoicacid (5.00 g, 10.67 mmol) and phenyl-methanol (2.305 g, 21.34 mmol) weredissolved in 25 mL of CH₂Cl₂ and treated successively withN-hydroxybenzotriazole (1.933 g, 11.74 mmol),1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC, 2.250g, 11.74 mmol), and ethyl-diisopropyl-amine (2.137 ml, 12.49 mmol).After stirring for 90 min, the volatiles were removed i.V. at ambienttemperature, the residue taken up in ethyl acetate, washed with water,NH₄Cl-solution and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and evaporated. The crudemixture was then dissolved in 20 mL of ethanol, and the productprecipitated by adding 10 mL of water. Filtration and drying yielded5.669 g of the title compound which was recrystallized fromethanol/hexane to give 4.27 g of pure benzyl ester. MS (ISP): 559.2[M+H]⁺.

B.(S)-2-((S)-2,6-Bis-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-hexanoylamino)-6-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-hexanoicacid benzyl ester

The above prepared(S)-6-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-2-(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxy-carbonylamino)-hexanoicacid benzyl ester (4.270 g, 7.643 mmol) was dissolved in 15 mL of THFand treated with 15 mL of diethylamine. After 4 h at ambient temperatureMS and TLC indicated the absence of starting material. Evaporation ofthe solvents and azeotropic drying with toluene afforded 4.02 g of thefree amine which was used directly in the next step.

Commercially available (S)-2,6-bis-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-hexanoicacid (3.177 g, 9.17 mmol) was dissolved in 13 mL of CH₂Cl₂ and treatedat 0° C. with ethyl-diisopropyl-amine (4.71 ml, 27.5 mmol),O-(1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-pyridyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumtetrafluoroborate (TPTU, 2.725 g, 9.172 mmol) and, 15 min. later, withthe above prepared amine as a solution in minimal CH₂Cl₂ and 1.57 mL ofethyl-diisopropyl-amine (1.2 eq.). The reaction was allowed to proceedfor 2 h at ambient temperature. All volatiles were removed i.V., theresidue taken up in ethyl acetate, washed with NaHCO₃-solution,NH₄Cl-solution and water, dried over Na₂SO₄, and evaporated. Flashchromatography (SiO₂, heptane/ethyl acetate=4/6) followed bycrystallization from heptane/minimal amounts of ethyl acetate produced4.516 g of the title compound as a white solid. MS (ISP): 665.4 [M+H]⁺.

C. (S)-6-Amino-2-((S)-2,6-diamino-hexanoylamino)-hexanoic acid benzylester trihydrochloride

The above prepared(S)-2-((S)-2,6-bis-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-hexanoylamino)-6-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-hexanoicacid benzyl ester (4.516, 6.793 mmol) was dissolved in 4 mol/L HCl indioxane. After a couple of minutes, gas evolved and a precipitate wasformed. After 3 h at ambient temperature, the reaction mixture wascarefully evaporated and scrupulously dried to yield 3.81 g of the titlecompound as an off-white foam which was used without furtherpurification for Example 13. E. GalNAc Cluster benzyl ester above. MS(ISP): 365.3 [M+H]⁺.

Example 15. GalNAc Cluster-siRNA Conjugates

A. Compound 1

(150 mg, 0.082 mmol) was dissolved in dry methanol (5.5 ml) and 42 μLsodium methylate were added (25% solution in MeOH). The mixture wasstirred under an argon atmosphere for 2 h at RT. An equal amount ofmethanol was added as well as portions of an anionic exchange materialAmberlite IR-120 to generate a pH around 7.0. The Amberlite was removedby filtration. The solution was dried with Na₂SO₄, and the solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure. Compound 2 was obtained in quantitativeyield as a white foam. TLC (SiO₂, dichloromethane (DCM)/MeOH 5:1+0.1%CH₃COOH): R_(f)2=0.03; for detection a solution of sulfuric acid (5%) inMeOH was used followed by heating. ESI-MS, direct injection, negativemode; [M−H]⁻¹ _(calculated): 1452.7; [M−H]¹⁻ _(measured): 1452.5.

B. Compound 2

(20 mg, 0.014 mmol) was co-evaporated with pyridine and dichloromethane.The residue was dissolved in dry DMF (0.9 ml) and a solution ofN-Hydroxysuccinimide (NETS) in DMF (1.6 mg, 0.014 mmol) was added whilestirring under an argon atmosphere. At 0° C. a solution ofN,N′-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) in DMF (3.2 mg, 0.016 mmol) wasslowly added. The reaction was allowed to warm to RT and stirred overnight. Compound 3 was used without further purification for conjugationto RNA.

C. Synthesis of Amino-Modified RNA.

RNA equipped with a C-6-amino linker at the 5′-end of the sense strandwas produced by standard phosphoramidite chemistry on solid phase at ascale of 1215 μmol using an ÄKTA Oligopilot 100 (GE Healthcare,Freiburg, Germany) and controlled pore glass as solid support. RNAcontaining 2′-O-methyl nucleotides were generated employing thecorresponding phosphoramidites, 2′-O-methyl phosphoramidites andTFA-hexylaminolinker amidite. Cleavage and deprotection as well aspurification was achieved by methods known in the field (Wincott F., etal, NAR 1995, 23, 14, 2677-84).

The amino-modified RNA was characterized by anion exchange HPLC (purity:96.1%) and identity was confirmed by ESI-MS ([M+H]¹⁺ _(calculated):6937.4; [M+H]¹⁺ _(measured): 6939.0. Sequence:5′-(NH₂C₆)GGAAUCuuAuAuuuGAUCcAsA-3′ (SEQ ID 1); u,c: 2′-O-methylnucleotides of corresponding bases, s: phosphorothioate.

D. Conjugation of GalNAc Cluster to RNA.

RNA (2.54 μmol) equipped with a C-6 amino linker at the 5′-end waslyophilized and dissolved in 250 μL sodium borate buffer (0.1 mol/Lsodium borate, pH 8.5, 0.1 mol/L KCl) and 1.1 mL DMSO. After addition of8 μL N,N-Diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA), a solution of compound 3(theoretically 0.014 mmol) in DMF was slowly added under continuousstirring to the RNA solution. The reaction mixture was agitated at 35°C. overnight. The reaction was monitored using RP-HPLC (Resource RPC 3ml, buffer: A: 100 mM Triethylammonium acetate (TEAA, 2.0 M, pH 7.0) inwater, B: 100 mM TEAA in 95% acetonitrile, gradient: 5% B to 22% B in 20CV). After precipitation of RNA using sodium acetate (3 M) in EtOH at−20° C., the RNA conjugate was purified using the conditions describedabove. The pure fractions were pooled, and the desired conjugate 4 wasprecipitated using sodium acetate/EtOH to give the pure RNA conjugate.Conjugate 4 has been isolated in 59% yield (1.50 μmol). The purity ofconjugate 4 was analyzed by anion exchange HPLC (purity: 85.5%) andidentity was confirmed by ESI-MS ([M+H]¹⁺ _(calculated): 8374.4; [M+H]¹⁺_(measured): 8376.0. (FIG. 6.)

E. Conjugate 4 (Sense Strand) was Annealed with an 2′-O-Methyl-ModifiedAntisense Strand.

Sequence: 5′-uuGGAUcAAAuAuAAGAuUCcscsU-3′ (SEQ ID 2). The siRNAconjugate directed against the apolipoprotein B mRNA was generated bymixing an equimolar solution of complementary strands in annealingbuffer (20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8; 100 mM sodium chloride), heatedin a water bath at 85-90° C. for 3 min, and cooled to RT over a periodof 3-4 h. Duplex formation was confirmed by native gel electrophoresis.

Example 16. Hydrophobic Group-siRNA Conjugates

SEQ ID 3: (NHSC10)GGAUfCfAUfCfUfCfAAGUfCfUfUfACfdTsdT                     ↓ Amine(Amine)(COC9)GGAUfCfAUfCfUfCfAAGUfCfUfUfACfdTsdT

RNA synthesis was performed on solid phase by conventionalphosphoramidite chemistry on an ÄKTA Oligopilot 100 (GE Healthcare,Freiburg, Germany) and controlled pore glass (CPG) as solid support.

The 5′-C10-NHS ester modified sense strand,(NHSC10)GGAUfCfAUfCfUfCfAAGUfC-fUfflfACfdTsdT (SEQ ID 3) was preparedemploying 5′-Carboxy-Modifier C10 amidite from Glen Research (Virginia,USA). The activated RNA, still attached to the solid support was usedfor conjugation with lipophilic amines listed in the table below. Cf andUf are 2′-fluoronucleotides of the corresponding bases and s is aphosphorothioate linkage.

Sense strand sequence: (SEQ ID 3)5′-(COC9)GGAUfCfAUfCfUfCfAAGUfCfUfUfACfdTsdT-3′Antisense strand sequence: (SEQ ID 4)5′-GUfAAGACfUfUfGAGAUfGAUfCfCfdTsdT-3′

100 mg of the sense strand CPG (loading 60 μmol/g, 0.6 μmol RNA) weremixed with 0.25 mmol of the corresponding amine obtained from, SigmaAldrich Chemie GmbH (Taufkirchen, Germany) or Fluka (Sigma-Aldrich,Buchs, Switzerland).

TABLE 16 Lipophilic amines used in forming hydrophobic group-siRNAconjugates Nr Lipophilic Amine mg mmol ml solvent 2 N-Hexylamine 25 0.251 mL CH₂Cl₂ 3 Dodecylamine 50 0.25 0.55 mL CH₃CN, 0.45 mL CH₂Cl₂ 4Octadecylamine 67 0.25 1 mL CH₂Cl₂ 5 Didecylamine 74 0.25 1 mL CH₂Cl₂ 6Didodecylamine 88 0.25 1 mL CH₂Cl₂ 7 Dioctadecylamine 67 0.12 0.45 mLCH₂Cl₂, 0.45 mL Cyclohexane

The mixture was shaken for 18 h at 40° C. The RNA was cleaved from thesolid support and deprotected with an aqueous ammonium hydroxidesolution (NH₃, 33%) at 45° C. overnight. The 2′-protecting group wasremoved with TEA×3HF at 65° C. for 3.5 h. The crude oligoribonucleotideswere purified by RP-HPLC (Resource RPC 3 ml, buffer: A: 100 mM TEAA inwater, B: 100 mM TEAA in 95% CH₃CN, gradient: 3% B to 70% B in 15 CV,except for Nr 7: gradient from 3% B to 100% B in 15 CV).

TABLE 17 Hydrophobic group-RNA conjugates, characterized by RP-HPLC andESI-MS (negative mode). ESI-MS Nr Purity RP-HPLC % ESI-MS [M − H]calculated [M − H] found 2 90 6963.4 6963.0 3 99 7047.4 7047.2 4 987131.5 7131.4 5 99 7159.6 7159.3 6 99 7215.7 7215.0 7 98 7384.0 7383.2

To generate siRNA from RNA single strand, equimolar amounts ofcomplementary sense and antisense strands were mixed in annealing buffer(20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8; 100 mM sodium chloride), heated at 80°C. for 3 min, and cooled to RT over a period of 3-4 h. The siRNA, whichare directed against factor VII mRNA were characterized by gelelectrophoresis.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A composition for delivering an RNA interference polynucleotide to a cell in vivo comprising: N-A and

wherein, P is a membrane active polyamine, L² is a disubstituted maleamate linkage, M¹ is a charge neutral masking agent comprising a galactose or galactose derivative having affinity for the asialoglycoprotein receptor, M² is a charge neutral masking agent comprising a steric stabilizer, y is an integer greater than 1, z is an integer greater than or equal to zero, the value y+z is greater than 50% of the number of amines on P, N is an RNA interference polynucleotide, and A comprises a hydrophobic group having at least 20 carbon atoms.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the RNA interference polynucleotide is selected from the group consisting of: DNA, RNA, dsRNA, siRNA, and miRNA.
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the value y+z is greater than 70% of the number of amines on the membrane active polyamine.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the value y+z is greater than 80% of the number of amines on the membrane active polyamine.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the value y+z is greater than 90% of the number of amines on the membrane active polyamine.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition is provided in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 7. The composition of claim 1 wherein the galactose derivative consists of an N-acetylgalactosamine.
 8. The composition of claim 1 wherein the steric stabilizer consists of an polyethylene glycol.
 9. The composition of claim 1 wherein the hydrophobic group comprises cholesterol.
 10. The composition of claim 1 wherein the hydrophobic group comprises a cholesterol derivative.
 11. A composition for delivering an RNA interference polynucleotide to a liver cell in vivo comprising:

and wherein, RNA is an RNA interference polynucleotide, P is a membrane active polyamine, L² is a disubstituted maleamate linkage, M¹ is a charge neutral masking agent comprising a galactose or galactose derivative having affinity for the asialoglycoprotein receptor, M² is a charge neutral masking agent comprising a steric stabilizer, v is an integer greater than 1, z is an integer greater than or equal to zero, and the value y+z is greater than 50% of the number of amines on P.
 12. The composition of claim 11 wherein the RNA interference polynucleotide is selected from the group consisting of: DNA, RNA, dsRNA, siRNA, and miRNA.
 13. The composition of claim 12 wherein the value y+z is greater than 70% of the number of amines on the membrane active polyamine. 